
Class J_^S^2_ 



DZ'y 




CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH, 
THE FOUNDER OF VIRGINIA, 



'ilje I'ifo anlr l^iilrtiittirts 



CAPTAII JOHN SMITH 



COiiPRISINO 



AN ACCOUNT OF HIS TRAVELS 

IN 

EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AiND AMERICA. 



THE EARLY HISTORY OF TIllGINIA AND IS'EW ENGLAND; 

SKETCHES OF POCAHONTAS, POWHATAN, OPKCHANCANOUGH, 
AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED CHARACTEBS. 



PRINCIPALLY COMPILED FROM HIS /gVK'VVOEKS, 



BY W. C. AEMSTEONG. 




■;> 



D: ! 



HARTFOR 
SILAS ANDRUS & SON. 

1855. 



ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 185t, BY 

SILAS ANDKUS AND SON, 
IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF CONNECTICUT 



FOUNDRY OF SILAS ANDEUS AND SON, HARTFORD. 
f-,°. Press of W. S. WiUiams. 



§«Mcat£b 

TO 

THE PATRONS OF AUTHENTIC HISTORY, 

AND 

TO THE SMITH FAlvriLT IN PARTICULAR, 
THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES 

AND THE WOKLn AT LARGS. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

FAOB 

Birth and Parentaare of Smith— Propensity for Adventure 
— Death of his Father — Apprenticed to a Merchant — 
Clandestine Trip to France — War in the Netherlands 
— Visits Scotland — Turns Hermit —Tries his Fortune 
again in France — Is thrown into the Sea — His Rescue 
— Desperate Encounter and Victory — Immense Booty, 13 

CHAPTER II. 

Smith travels in Italy and the South of Europe — Enters 
the Emperor's Service — Ingenious Telegraph — Success 
atOlympach — Smith's Promotion — Siege of Alba Rega- 
lis — Efficiency of the Fiery Dragons — the Christians 
Victorious — Battle of Girke — Death of Duke Mercury, 21 

CHAPTER III. 

Smith enlists with Meldritch in the Service of Sigismund 
— Regall Besieged — Challenge from the Turks — Smith 
slays Three in Single Combat — Both Armies finally En- 
counter — the Christians again Victorious — Honors and 
Pension to Smith, 32 

CHAPTER IV. 

Sigismund concludes a Treaty of Peace — Transfer of the 
Army — Revolt of Wallachia — Defeat of the Rebels with 
Great Slaughter — Encounter with the Tartars — "A Pret- 
ty Stratagem" by Smith — Battle of Rotenton — Prowess 
of Smith — His Wounds. Capture, and Slavery — Charatza 
Tragabigzanda — Kills his Master — Escapes — Diploma 
of his Honors — Visits Africa — Desperate Engagement 
at Sea— Returns to England — Muley Hamet — Lions, . 39 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. PAGK 

American Settlements in Embryo — Smith and Gosnold 
plan an Expedition — Company Formed, and Letters Pat- 
ent granted — Newport selected to command the Vessels 
— The Colonists leave England — Early Dissensions — 
Smith made a Prisoner — Arrival — Landing- — Council — 
James River — Explorations — Natives — Site for Town, . 61 

CHAPTER VI. 

The Council inaugurated, and Smith excluded — Wingfield 
elected as President — Magnanimity of Smith — Remarks 
on the Position and Character of the Colonists — Busy 
Scenes of clearing away the Forest, devising a Fort, 
and building Habitations — Smith's Perilous Surveying 
Expedition— ^Number of Tribes ascertained — Courteous 
Reception by Powhatan-^Jamestown aftacked, and the 
Enemy repulsed 70 

CHAPTER VII. 

Smith demands a Trial : Honorable Results — Newport 
sails for England — Scarcity of Provisions — Sickness — 
Injustice of Wingfield, who is deposed, and Ratcliffe 
elected in his place — Smith's Diligence in providing 
for the Settlers : His Explorations and Discoveries — 
Conspiracy of Wingfield and Kendall defeated — En- 
counter with Opechancanough — Exploits and Capture 
of Smith : Hi§ Remarkable Adventures among the Sav- 
ages : their Wonder excited by his Feats of " Sorcery " 
— Jamestown saved through his Efforts — The Indian's 
Idea of Gunpowder — Powhatan dooms Smith to Death 
— Pocahontas preserves his Life — Curious Attempt to 
Frighten Smith : his Return to Jamestown, .... 74 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Smith's Artifice — Another Revolt — Trade with the Indians 
— Arrival of Newport — Nelson's Escape from Shipwreck 
— Envy and Improvidence of Newport and his Company 
— Presents to Powhatan : his Cunning Device for Trad- 



CONTENTS. 9 

PA(iE 

ing : Circumvented by Smith's Blue Beads — Successful 
Traffic with Opechancatiouiih — Destructive Conflagra- 
tion at Jamestown — MisnianasremeiU of Supplies — " Sect 
of Gold-finders" — Wing-field and Archer sent home to 
England — Arrival of Captain Nelson — Insolence of the 
Indians punished, 89 



CHAPTER IX. 

Departure' of Nelson — Exploration of Chesapeake Bay — 
Visits to Various Indi^an Tribes^— Discontent among the 
TTrew— Disttrvery of the Potomac — Severe Accident to 
Smith from a Stingray — Return to Jamestown — Rat- 
cliffe deposed, and Smith elected President : He appoints 
Scrivener his substitute — Another Exploring Expedi- 
tion — the jNIassawomeks, Tockwoghs, Susquesahan- 
ocks, Rappahanocks, Maraughtacunds, Mannahocks, 
and other Indian Tribes — Numerous Adventures and 
Narrow Escapes — Return to Jamestown, 100 



CHAPTER X. 

Smith consents to administer the Government — Arrival 
of Newport with a Crown and other AbsiTrd Gifts for 
Powhatan — Smith opposes his Course, but is Over- 
ruled : Visits Powliatan, who finally submits to a Cor- 
onation — Newport's Unfortunate Expedition to the 
Manakins — Novel Remedy for Profanity— Smith's Suc- 
cess in procuring Corn : Plot to Injure him Overthrown 
—Newport and his Marinersthe Source of much Mis- 
chief and Misrepresentation— Complaints of the Council 
in England — Smith's Rejoinder, 121 



CHAPTER XI 

Famine— Desperate Efforts to procure Supplies— First 
Marriage in America— -House for Powhatan— Smith and 
others embark on an Adventurous Expedition— Christ- 
mas spent among the Indians— -Arrival at VVerowoco- 
nioco— Interview of Smith and Powhatan-— Treachery 
of the Germans — Crafty Speech of Powhatan — Jeopardy 
of Smith and his Companions— Duplicity of the Indian's 



10 CONTENTS. 

PAGK 

—Pocahontas warns Smith of his Dang-er : his Vigil- 
ance : Departure — Arms stolen by the Germans for Pow- 
hatan— Arrival of Smith at Pamunkey— Deception of 
Opechancanough— Smith challenges him to Single 
Combat— Seizes him, and obtains his Demands— Seri- 
ous Accident at Jamestown— Smith's Return— Disor- 
/derly State of Affairs — German Deserters detected— 
\igniicaujter of Smith and Paspahey ;_Escape of the latter, 
and Subsequent Meeting — IndlaiT Oratory — Compact 
for Peace, , . 136 

CHAPTER XII. 

Effects of Smith's Intrepidity — Benefits of some Pre- 
tended Miracles — Encouraging Spirit of the Settlers — 
Ravages of the Rats — New Quarters necessary for Sub- 
sistence — Evils of Insolence again Prevalent — Deserters 
returned by the Indians — Expedition to the Mangoags : 
their Friendship — Villany of Volday — Indignation of 
the People — Course of Powhatan — Arrival of Argall, 158 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The old Charter and Officers superseded — Extensive 
Fleet, with Reinforcements — Shipwreck of the new 
Governors — Arrival of the Fleet — Surprise of Smith — 
Troublesome Factions — Character of the new Recruits — 
Fate of the Germans and Volday — Vigorous Measures 
of Smith — Imprisonment of the Factious Leaders — 
Attempts at New Settlements — More Difficulties with 
the Indians — Purchase of Powhatan — Mutiny against 
Smith : his Escape — Complaints of the Indians : their 
Revenge — Nonsuch founded and abandoned — Severe 
Accident to Smith: his Return to England necessary: 
Peculiarities of his Situation : his Character, . . . 167 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Sea- Venture and the Governors — Isle of Devils : its 
Animal and Vegetable Productions — The Shipwrecked 
Party leave for Vrginia : Desperate Condition of Affairs 
in that Region: "The Starving Time " — Resolution to 
abandon the Settlement : Happily Frustrated by the ar- 



/ 



CONTENTS. 11 

PAGE 

rival of Lord Delaware — Important Assistance from 
England— Projected New Settlements— Pocahontas made 
a Prisoner — Powhatan apprised of her Situation s His 
Answer — Skirmishes with the Indians — Two Brothers 
of Pocahontas — Partial Arrangement of DiflSculties — 
Marriag-e of Pocahontas and Rolfe : Embarkation for 
Enarland: Arrival 182 



CHAPTER XV. 

Smith engages in New Explorations on the Northern 
American Coasts : Success and Return — His Agreement 
with Prince Charles in regard to the' Names of several 
Important Places : Villany of his Associate, Captain 
Hunt — High Anticipations of Smith — Promise of the 
Plj'mouth Company : Engagement with them — Better 
Oilers declined — Expedition under Cooper sails from 
London— Sir Ferdinand Gorges — Cunning Device of a 
Kidnapped Indian to get Home — Abortive Attempts to 
unite the London and Plymouth Companies — Failure of 
the latter to redeem their promises — Two Vessels at last 
provided, in which Smith sails : His Return, disabled by 
a Storm: Sails again in another Craft — Encounter with 
Pirates — Captured by a French Cruiser : His Sailors es- 
cape with the English Vessel : Smith detained a Prisoner : 
Occasional Employment in Fighting and Writing — Cap- 
tain Barra, "an English Pirat" — A Rich Prize — Liberal 
Promises to Smith, who is taken to France — False Accu- . 
sations — Fortunate Escape — New Trials and Difficulties / 
—Return to England, /l95 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Smith and his Crew of Deserters ; He engages again with 
the Plymoutheans : Publishes his Book on New Eng- 
land : is created Admiral of that Country— Arrival of 
Pocahontas — Interview with Smith — Distinction between 
the Laws of Nature and the Laws of State Etiquette — 
Smith's Letter to the Queen in behalf of Pocahontas, 
who is favorably received at Court and elsewhere — Amus- 
ing Incidents of Smith's first Interview with Pocahontas 
— Hopeless Mission of Uttamatomakkin to Number the 
People: His Correct Idea of King James — Change in 



12 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

the Affairs of Virgrinia— Rolfe appointed to OfSce— Un- 
expected Death of Pocahontas : Her Little Son adopted 
by his Uncle: Is educated in London, and returns to , ^ 
Virginia: His Numerous Descendants— Character qf 
Pocahontas, l 212 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Smi'h's Efforts to coloniee New England and establish 
Fisheries — Causes of Holland's Prosperity— Resources 
of New England — Appeal to the Spirit of Independence 
— Death of Powhatan: His Successor — Treachery of 
Opechancanough — Jack of the Feather — Horrible Mas- 
sacre of the Settlers : its Effect upon the Colony — Ret- 
ribution — Offer of Smith — Slanders of Argall and his 
Associates against the Colony— Favorable Testimony of 
Smith: Recapitulation of his Virginian Adventures: 
His Answers to Interrogatories propounded by Commis- 
sioners to investigate the Affairs of the Colony — Abro- 
gation of the Charter of the Virginia Company — Smith 
engages in the publication of several Valuable Works : 
His Death : Prominent Characteristics — Specimens of 
I'oetical Laudation from his Friends, 229 



THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



CHAPTER I. 

His Birth and Parentag-e — Early Propensity for Adventure — 
Death of his Father — Apprenticed to a Merchant— Clandes- 
tine Trip to France — War in the Netherlands — Visits Scot- 
land — Turns Hermit — Tries his Fortune again in France — 
Is thrown into the Sea — His Rescue — Desperate Encounter 
and V^ictory — Immense Booty. ^ 

According to Smith's own account of himself 
— an account from which a large portion of this 
work is compiled — he was descended from a 
respectable family in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, 
England, where he was born in 1579. He was 
early imbued with a spirit of adventure, from the 
full exercise of which he was partially restrained 
by parental authority. Even at the age of thir- 
teen, he entertained an unconquerable desire for 
seeing the world, and secretly sold his books and 
satchell in order to raise money for accomplishing 
his purpose, when the death of his father inter- 
rupted his project. The guardians of his estate, 
seeming to think more of it than him, would not 
furnish him any "means to get beyond sea," and 
2 



14 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

when about fifteen years old he was apprenticed 
to the mercantile business at Lynn — his master 
being "the greatest merchant of all those parts." 
About this tim.e he was on such terms with a son 
of Lord Willoughby, that he left the service in 
which he was engaged, and accompanied him to 
France — thus gratifying (what had been so far 
checked) his yearnings for "going beyond sea." 
He did not long remain with the companion of 
his voyage, but visited several towns in France; 
and at Paris became acquainted with "one Mas- 
ter David Hume," who not only administered to 
his pecuniary necessities, but gave him "letters 
to his friends in Scotland to prefer him to King 
James." From Paris he proceeded to the Neth- 
erlands, to assist that injured country in resisting 
Spanish tyranny ; and served some three or four 
years under Captain Duxbury — an Englishman, 
commanding in the service of Prince Maurice. 
He then concluded to make a journey to Scot- 
land, but was shipwrecked at Holy Isle, and 
suffered much from sickness. After his re- 
covery, he reached Scotland, and delivered his 
letters, which secured him a very favorable recep- 
tion among the writer's friends; but finding no 
chance of preferment at the Scottish court, he 
indulged himself in a visit to Willoughby. Not 
pieeting with any special attractions in the social 
circles of his native town, he resolved to become 
a recluse, after a fashion peculiar to himself; and 
for this purpose he "retired into a little wooddie 
pasture, a good way from any town, invironed 
with many hundred acres of other woods. Here 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 15 

1)}- a fa ire brook he built a pavillion of boughes, 
where only in his cloaths he lay. His studie was 
Machiavills Art of Warre, and Marcus Aure- 
lius; his exercise a good horse, with his lance 
and ring; his food was thought to be more of 
vonison than anything else/' Unlike most of 
the hermit class, he kept a man, and we are told 
that "what he wanted, his man brought him." 
While in this retreat, he became acquainted with 
" an excellent horseman and a noble Italian gen- 
tleman," named Polaloga, who was riding-master 
to the Earl of Lincoln, and whose "good dis- 
course and exercise of riding drew him to stay 
with him at Tattersall " for a brief period. — 
" Long these pleasures could not content him," 
and he determined upon again returning to the 
Low Countries; regarding himself as materially 
improved with "such rudiments of warre as his 
tender years in those martial schooles could at- 
tain unto." He was also "desirous to see more 
of the world, and trie his fortune against the 
Turkes, both lamenting and repenting to have 
scene so many Christians slaughter one another." 
On the eve of his embarkation for France, 
Smith fell in with "four French gallants" — gen- 
tlemen living by their wits — who were his com- 
panions on the voyage, and who contrived to 
rob him after his arrival of all his money and 
clothing — leaving him so destitute that he was 
"forced to sell his cloake to pay for his passage." 
One of them, assuming the title of Lord Depreau, 
palmed himself off for an influential personage, 
and promised our hero all sorts of countenance 



16 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

and assistance in his chivalric enterprise, while 
the other three played their parts as his lordship's 
"gentlemen." When about landing at Picardy, 
his new acquaintance "plotted witii the master 
of the ship to set his (Smith's) and their own 
trunckes a shore, leaving Smith aboard till the 
boat could returne, which w^as the next day after, 
towards evening. The reason hee alleaged was, 
the sea went so high hee could come no sooner, 
and that his lord was gone to Amiens, where 
they would stay his coming; which treacherous 
viliany, when divers other souldiers and pas- 
sengers understood, they had like to have slaine 
the master, and, had they knowne how, would 
have runne away with the ship." 

He was soon undeceived as to the character 
of his late companions by a fellow-passenger, 
named Curzianvere, who, "compassionating his 
injury, assured him this great Lord Depreau 
was only the sonne of a lawyer of Mortaigne in 
base Britany, and his attendants — Oursell, La 
Nelie, and Monferrat — three young citizens, as 
arrant cheats as himselre." His newly-found 
friend proved a friend indeed. He not only 
"supplied his wants," but also "brought him to 
Mortaigne, where he found Depreau and the rest, 
but to small purpose; for Mr. Curzianvere was 
a banished man, and durst not be scene but to 
liis friends; yet the bruit of their cosenage oc- 
casioned the Lady CoUumber and divers other 
honorable persons to supply his wants, and with 
them to recreate himself so long as he would." 

Smith had no taste for the life of a Sponge; 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 17 

"such pleasant pleasures suiting little with his 
poore estate," he withdi-evv from his hospitable 
friends, with the determination of seeking better 
means of accomplishing the purpose for which he 
left England — that of fighting the Turks. "In 
wandering from port to port to finde some man 
of warre, he spent that he had, and in a Forest, 
neere dead with griefe and cold, a rich Farmer 
found him by a faire Fountaine under a tree. 
This kinde Pesant releeved him againe, to his 
content to follow his intent. Not long after, as 
he passed through a great grove of trees, it was 
his chance to meet Cursell, more miserable than 
himselfe. His piercing injuries had so small 
patience, as without any word they both drew, 
and in a short time Cursell fell to the ground, 
where from an old ruinated Tower the inhab- 
itants seeing them, were satisfied, when they 
heard Cursell confesse what had formerly 
passed." 

According to the confession of Cursell, his 
associates did not recognise the principle of 
'•honor among thieves;" for, in dividing what 
they had stolen from Smith, "they fell by the 
ears amongst themselves," and he received little 
more than some unwelcome blows for his share. 
After exchanging; forgiveness with his wounded 
adversary, and leaving him to the care of the 
peasantry who had flocked around, Smith direct- 
ed his course to the Earl of Ployer, whom he had 
formerly known during the war in France, and 
by whom he was kindly received and entertained. 
The earl was at some pains to visit with his 
2* 



18 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

guest all the prominent objects of interest in 
his neighborhood; and on his departure, after 
tarrying a reasonable time, "he was better refur- 
nished than ever." 

From this time Smith freely indulged his ruling 
propensity — travelling leisurely through various 
towns, inspecting whatever was curious or nota- 
ble, until he reached Marseilles; where, "imbark- 
ing himself for Italy, the ship was enforced to 
Tolonne." We are led to infer that the vessel 
was refitted, and put to sea again with better 
prospects. But the war of elements was not 
yet ended : the "ill weather so grew upon them, 
they anchored close aboard the shore, under the 
little Isle of St. Mary," off Nice. Here his 
fellow-passengers (whom he designates as "in- 
humane Provincialls" and "a rable of Pilgrimes 
of divers nations going to Rome") suddenly came 
to the very sage conclusion that he was a sort of 
Jonah among them. For lack of better pastime, 
they fell to "hourely cursing him, not only for a 
Hugonoit, but his Nation they swore were all 
Pyrat^s, and so vildly railed on his dread sover- 
aigne, Queene Elizabeth, and that they never 
should have faire weather so long as hee was 
aboard them ; their disputations grew to that pas- 
sion that they threw him over-board; yet God 
brought him to that little Isle, where was no in- 
habitants but a few kine and goats." On the 
next morning he was taken on board another 
vessel, which had "put in by the storm," and 
was so well "regarded and entertained" by the 
captain, that "he was well contented to try the 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 19 

rest of his fortune with them." This vessel, it 
appears, was bound for Alexandria, whither she 
had a prosperous voyage, and delivered her cargo. 
Neither the vessel nor Smith seem to have had 
any particular destination after this:* for "they 
went to Scandaroone, I'ather to view what ships 
was in the roade than anything else," and thence 
proceeded (apparently on a cruise) to various 
islands in the Mediterranean. While laying to 
between Corfu and the Cape of Otranto, they 
met with a Venetian argosy, which the captain 
was desirous of speaking; and on approaching 
for that object, he received "such an untoward 
answer as slew them a man." It is evident from 
what followed that this unfriendly answer was 
not entirely unexpected; but as we have no idea 
of rivalling the talents of Cooper or Maryatt in 
the description of a sea-fight, Smith shall be 
permitted to describe the succeeding scenes in 
his own expressive language : 

As a rejoinder to the single gun of the argosj^, 
"the Britaine presently gave them the broad- 
side; then his Sterne, and his other broad-side 
also, and continued the chase, with his chase 
peeces, till he gave them so many broad-sides 
one after another, that the Argosies sayles and 
tackling was so torne, she stood to her defence, 
and made shot for shot; twice in one houre and 

* Both the character of the vessel and the capacity in 
which Smith was acting are alike left to conjecture, and. 
v/e are warranted in the conclusion that the one was some- 
thing more than a merchantman, and the other something 
more than a passenger. 



20 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

a halfe the Bi'itaine boarded her, yet they cleared 
themselves, but clapping her aboard againe, the 
Argosie fired him, v^hich with much danger to 
them both w^as presently quenched. This rather 
augmented the Britaines rage, than abated his 
courage; for having reaccommodated himselfe 
againe, shot her so oft betvi^eene wind and water, 
she was readie to sinke, then they yeelded; the 
Britaine lost fifteene men, she twentie, besides 
divers were hurt, the rest went to worke on all 
hands; some to stop the leakes, others to guard 
the prisoners that were chained, the rest to rifle 
her. The Silkes, Velvets, Cloth of Gold, and 
Tissue, Py asters, Chicqueenes, and Sultanies, 
(which is gold and silver,) they unloaded in foure 
and twentie houres, was wonderfull, whereof 
having sufficient, and tired with toile, they cast 
her off" with her company, with as much good 
merchandize as would have fraughted such an- 
other Britaine, that was but two hundred tunnes, 
shee foure or five hundred." 

To repair the great damage sustained in this 
desperate engagement, was of course a very 
desirable matter, and the victor accordingly 
stood for some friendly port where this business 
could be effected. Smith was set on shore in 
Piedmont, with "five hundred chicqueenes, and 
a little box God sent him worth neere as much 
more" — probably his share of the spoils of the 
argosy. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 21 



CHAPTER II. 



Smith travels in Italy and the South of Europe — Enters 
the Emperor's Service — Ingenious Telegraph — Success at 
Olympach — Smith's Promotion — Siege of Alba Regalis — 
Efficiency of the Fiery Dragons — the Christians Victori- 
ous — Battle of Girke — Death of Duke Mercury. 

It is not likely that our adventurer ever be- 
fore found himself in so good a condition to 
gratify his propensity for seeing the world as at 
this time. " Being glad to have such opportuni- 
tie and meanes to better his experience by the 
view of Italy," he embarked for Leghorn, and 
thence passed through all the principal cities, 
carefully noting whatever be considered remark- 
able or interesting. During his travels he again 
met with his early friends, "Lord Willoughby 
and his brother, cruelly wounded in a desperate 
fray, yet to their exceeding great honor." What 
was the cause of this "desperate fray" — whether 
they had become "red republican revolutionists," 
or had been set upon by Italian bandits, or were 
merely carrying out the invaluable privileges of 
independent Englishmen in "kicking up a row" 
— is left entirely to the sympathetic imagination. 
Smith did not choose to throw any light upon 
the subject, nor can we his humble followers; 
and as it is probable that no other historian has 
recorded the occurrence, it must for ever remain 
among those mysteries which are said to be 
"buried in the womb of time." 

At Rome "it was his chance to see Pope 



22 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Clement the eight, with as many Cardinalls, 
creepe up the holy Stayres, which they say are 
those our Saviour Christ went up to Pontius 
Pilate, where bloud falling from his head, being 
pricked with his crowne of thornes, the drops 
are marked with nailes of Steele; upon them 
none dare goe but in that manner, saying so 
many Ave-Maries and Pater-Noslers, as is their 
devotion, and to kisse the nailes of Steele: But 
on each side is a paire of such like staires, up 
which you may goe, stand, or kneele, but divided 
from the holy "Staires by two walls: right against 
them is a Chapell, where hangs a great silver 
Lampe,which burneth continually, yet they say 
the oyle neither increaseth nor diminisheth." 

When his curiosity had been pretty well satis- 
fied with every thing in and about Italy, he took 
a turn through Albania, Dalmatia, and Sclavo- 
nia, and finally reached Gratz in Styria, where 
the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, afterwards 
Emperor of Germany, was then residing. Here 
he met with an Englishman and an Irish Jesuit, 
who made him acquainted with "many brave 
gentlemen of good qualitie, especially with the 
Lord Ebersbaught," to whom he seems to have 
communicated certain practical tactics and 
expedients, which were of much subsequent 
advantage. He at once so far secured the 
favorable regards of this nobleman, that he re- 
commended him to Baron Kisell, general of the 
artillery, and he in turn presented him to "a 
worthy Colonel, the Earle of Meldritch," into 
whose regiment he immediately entered. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 23 

It will readily be perceived that our hero was 
now in a situation to gratify his longing for fight- 
ing the Turks to its fullest extent. He entered 
on active service in the latter part of the year 
1601, at which time the Turks, with an army of 
twenty thousand men, were so closely besieging 
the town of Olympach as to cut off "all intel- 
ligence and hope of succour." Lord Ebers- 
baught was in command of the town, and Smith 
informed Baron Kisell that he had "taught his 
worthy friend such a Rule, that he would under- 
take to make him know any thing he intended, 
and have his answer, would they but bring him 
to some place where he might make the flame 
of a torch seene to the town." The baron was, 
of course, all anxiety to learn how this important 
object was to be accomplished, and Smith ex- 
plained it so comprehensibly, that he was forth- 
with furnished with the necessary implements 
for putting his design into execution. Accom- 
panied by several guides, after dark, he repaired 
"to a mountaine, where he showed three torches, 
equi-distant from each other, which plainly ap- 
pearing to the towne, the governour presently 
apprehended, and answered again with three 
other fires in like manner — each knowing the 
other's being and intent. Smith, though distant 
seven miles, signified to him these words : ' On 
Thursday at night I will charge on the East: 
at the Alarum, sally you.'" Ebersbaught an- 
swered, after the same manner, "I will;" and 
thus terminated this first essay at telegraphic cor- 
respondence in the Imperial army. In order to 



24 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

afford the reader an opportunity of contrasting 
his process of communication with that pursued 
at the present day, the following explanation is 
given in his own words : 

"First he writ his message as briefe as could 
be ; then divided the Alphabet in two parts thus : 

ABCDEFGHI KL 
11111111111 

MNOP CIRS TVWXYZ 

2222222222222 

"The first part from A to L is signified by 
shewing and hiding one light, so oft as there is 
letters from A to that letter you meane; the 
other part from M to Z is mentioned by two 
lights in like manner. The end of a word is 
signified by shewing of three lights, ever staying 
your light at that letter you meane, till the other 
may write it in a paper, and answer by his sig- 
nall, which is one light, it is done, beginning to 
count the letters by the lights, every time, from 
A to M ; by this means also the other returned 
his answer, whereby each did understand other." 

This telegraphic communication was not the 
only good service which Smith rendered. Kisell 
was wavering as to the propriety of making the 
projected attack, particularly as the Turkish 
forces more than doubled his own ; but an inge- 
nious piece of pyrotechny suggested by Smith 
overcame his irresolution. It had been dis- 
covered by the guides that the Turks were so 
divided in two parts, by the river, they could not 
readily second each other, and it was important 



CAPTAIIV JOHN SMITH. 25 

to devise some means of distracting the attention 
of one portion by a false alarm, while the impe- 
rialists fell suddenly and furiously upon the other. 
Smith's plan was to prepare "two or three thou- 
sand pieces of match, fastened to divers small 
lines of a hundred fathome in length, being 
armed with powder," and so arranged that they 
"might all be fired and stretched, at an instant 
before the alarum, upon the plaine of Hysnaburg, 
supported by two staves at each line's end, and 
in that maner they would seem like so many 
musketteers." The fullest success attended this 
stratagem. One portion of the Turks "prepared 
to encounter these false fires, thinking there had 
been some great armie," while Kisell with his 
ten thousand rushed simultaneously upon the 
other, " who ranne up and downe as men amazed. 
It was not long ere Ebersbaught [sallying from 
the town] was pell-mell with them in their 
trenches; in which distracted confusion a third 
part of the Turkes besieging that side towards 
Knousbrack were slaine ; many of the rest were 
drowned, but all fled." Kisell succeeded in re- 
inforcing the town with two thousand additional 
troops, and retired with small loss, while "the 
garrison was releeved with that they found in 
the Turkes quarters." The enemy were so dis- 
heartened by the issue of this conflict, that they 
abandoned the siege ; and Kisell, having achieved 
his object, returned to head-quarters, where he 
was received with much honor. Smith's inge- 
nuity and valor were properly estimated ; for we 
are told they "occasioned him a good reward, 
3 



26 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

and preferment to be captaine of two hundred 
and fiftie horse-men, under the conduct of Colo- 
nell Voldo, Earle of Meldritch." 

For some time after this, so httle was done in 
the way of fighting by either of the belhgerents, 
that "a generall rumour of a generall peace spred 
itselfe over all the face of those tormented coun- 
tries;" but notwithstanding this seeming quiet, 
the Turks were actively engaged in raising all 
the forces they could muster for the campaign 
of 1601, and the Emperor was equally busy in 
making extensive preparations in his own behalf 
Indeed, the latter must have been " up to his eyes 
in business," as the saying is — having no less 
than "three strings to his bow." We are in- 
formed that, "by the assistance of the Christian 
princes," he had "provided three armies: the 
first — commanded nominally by the Archduke 
Mathias, but actually by Duke Mercury — was 
intended " to defend Low Hungary ;" the second, 
under the Archduke Ferdinand of Styria, "to 
regaine Caniza;" and the third, under "Gonzago, 
governor of High Hungary," to reinforce Geor- 
gio Busca, and enable him to "make an absolute 
conquest of Transylvania." 

The first army, in which Count Meldritch and 
Smith were enlisted, undertook the siege and 
capture of Alba Regalis, " a place so strong by 
art and nature, that it was thought impregnable." 
Here again were the acquirements of our hero 
in pyrotechny and engineering brought into full 
requisition, and they contributed in no small 
degree to the successful issue of the enterprise. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 27 

Meldritch had learned from some Christians, 
who managed to escape from the town, to what 
quarters the Turks mostly resorted whenever 
an alarm was sounded, and he concerted with 
Smith to try what effect his "fiery dragons"* 
would produce among them. "These he fitly 
placed in slings, graduated so neere as they could 
to the places of these Assemblies. At midnight, 
upon the Alarum, it was a fearful! sight to see 
the short flaming course of their flight in the 
aire ; but presently after their fall, the lamenta- 
ble noise of the miserable slaughtered Turkes 
was most wonderfuU to hear." But slaughter 
alone was not their object: they also occasionally 
fired the suburbs in two or three places at the 
same time "which so troubled the Turks to 
quench, that had there been any means to have 
assaulted them, they could have hardly resisted" 

* At the risk of being- regarded as altogether "behind 
time" in this progressixe age, we cannot resist the avowal 
of our belief that some few individuals entertain a lauda- 
ble curiosity to become acquainted with the form and fash- 
ion of these destructive missiles; and as laudable curiosity 
should never be baulked, we herewith append a verbatim 
description, from the hand of the inventor himself, which 
may be of especial interest to posterity, if to nobody else: 
"Having prepared fortie or fiftie round-bellied earthen pots, 
and filled them with hand gunpowder, then covered them 
with Pitch, mingled with Brimstone and Turpentine; and 
quartering as many Musket-bullets, that hung together but 
only at tlie center of the division, stucke them round in 
the mixture about the pots, and covered them againe with 
the same mixture, over that a strong Sear-cloth, then over 
all a goode thicknesse of Towze-match well tempered with 
oyle of Lin-seed, Campheer, and powder of Brimstone." 



28 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the combined action of the fire and the soldiers. 
A concerted manoeuvre, calculated to take them 
by surprise in several quarters, was finally ex- 
ecuted with the most complete success, although 
the Turks defended their positions, foot by foot, 
in a manner which excited the admiration even 
of the victors. Almost simultaneously, the out- 
posts or suburbs were gained by the Christians, 
and the captured ordnance turned upon the city, 
into which the Turks retreated for a last des- 
perate struggle. Here, too, they were soon 
overpowered, "with such a mercilesse execution 
as was most pitifull to behold." The Bashaw, 
notwithstanding the utter hopelessness of his 
situation, "drew together a partie of five hun- 
dred before his own Pallace, where he intended 
to die," but after the most of his men were slain 
before him, Meldritch "tooke him prisoner with 
his own hands; and, at the hazard of himself, 
saved him from the fury of other troops," who 
demolished his palace, and " would have rent him 
in peeces, had he not been thus preserved." 

The first care of the conquerors was to repair 
the walls and fortifications which they had re- 
cently been at such pains to destroy; and this 
being thoroughly accomplished, they then in- 
dulged themselves in suitable rejoicings. The 
fact that this city, which had been in possession 
of the Turks for nearly sixty years, was once 
more under the banner of the Cross, was deemed 
a matter of gratulation to all Christendom. 

But they were not long to enjoy the undis- 
turbed possession of their prize. Sultan Mahomet 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 29 

was none of your "I can't" sort of individuals. 
While the Christians were " besieging Regalis, 
he was by no means inactive. He had raised 
an army of sixty thousand men for its rehef, 
but they were not put in motion till " a day after 
the fair;" yet when he heard that the city had 
fallen, he was hardly disposed to regard its rescue 
as problematical. Thi'ee Bashaws, of well-known 
valor and devotion — Hassan Bashaw, the Ba- 
shaw of Buda, and Bashaw Amaroz — wei*e dis- 
patched with the new army, "to see if it were 
possible to regaine it." Having greater confi- 
dence in numbers than in skill and discipline, 
the Turks set forward at once, not allowing 
themselves to entertain a doubt of accomplishing 
their mission. Duke Mercury, however, (who 
by some means was kept well advised of the 
enemy's movements,) knowing that the new 
levies must lack that drilling and military tact 
so essential to efficient action, resolved on giving 
them battle with only one-third their number. 
This resolution taken, he left a strong garrison 
in the city, and "set forward to meet the Turks 
in the plaines of Girke." Prominent among his 
chosen followers were Meldritch and Smith, 
whose presence on all occasions seems to have 
been considered indispensable to successful op- 
eration. The "two armies encountered as they 
marched," engaging in "hot and bloudy skir- 
mish" on coming up, regiment against regiment, 
till the night parted them. Here Earle Meldritch 
was so invironed amongst those halfe circular 

Regiments of Turkes, they supposed him their 
3* 



30 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

prisoner, and his Regiment lost; but his two 
most couragious friends, Vahan and Cuhiits, 
made such a passage amongst them, that it was 
a terror to see how horse and man lay sprawling 
and tumbling, some one way, some another on 
the ground. The Earle there at that time made 
his valour shine more bright than his armour, 
which seemed then painted with Turkish bloud: 
he slew the brave Zanzack Bugola, and made 
his passage to his friends, but neere halfe his 
Regiment was slaine. Captain Smith had his 
horse slaine under him, and himselfe sore wound- 
ed; but he was not long unmounted, for there 
was choice enough of horses that wanted mas- 
ters. The Turke thinking the victory sure 
against the Duke, whose Armie, by the Siege 
and the Garrison he had left behind him, was 
much v,?eakened, would not be content with one, 
but he would have all; and lest the Duke should 
returne to Alba Regalis, he sent that night 
twenty thousand to besiege the Citie, assuring 
them he would keepe the Duke or any other 
from releeving them. Two or three dayes they 
lay each by other, entrenching themselves; the 
Turkes daring the Duke daily to a sett battell, 
who at length drew out his Army, led by the 
Rhine-Grave, Culnits and Meldritch, who upon 
their first encounter, charged with that resolute 
and valiant courage, as disordered not only the 
formost squadrons of the Turkes, but enforced 
all the whole Armie to retire to the Campe, with 
the losse of five or six thousand, with the Bashaw 
of Buda, and foure or five Zanzacks, with divers 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 31 

Other great Commanders, two hundred Prisoners, 
and nine peeces of Ordnance. At that instant 
appeared, as it were, another Armie comming 
out of a valley over a plaine hill, that caused 
the Duke at that time to be contented, and to 
retire to his Trenches; which gave time to As- 
san to reorder his disordered squadrons: Here 
they lay nine or ten dayes, and more supplies 
repaired to them, expecting to try the event in 
a sett battell ; but the souldiers on both parties, 
by reason of their great wants and approach of 
winter, grew so discontented, that they were 
ready of themselves to breake up the Leager; 
the Bashaw retiring himselfe to Buda, had some 
of the Reare Troopes cut off. Amaroz Bashaw 
hearing of this, found such bad welcome at Alba 
Regalis, and the Towne so strongly repaired, 
with so brave a Garrison, raised his siege, and 
retired to Zigetum." 

Thus, it will be seen, by tacit consent, both 
paities agreed to "let well enough alone" — at 
least, in that quarter. Duke Mercury, how^ever, 
having an eye to other "fields of high emprise," 
divided his army into three parts: sending one 
division of seven thousand, under the Earl of 
Rosworme, to relieve Caniza; another of six 
thousand, under the Earl of Meldritch, to assist 
Busca against the Transylvanians ; and retaining 
the third to garrison "Strigonium and Komara." 
On returning to Vienna, he was received with 
great honor by royalty, nobility and commons: 
"ills very picture they esteemed would make 
them fortunate, which thousands kept as curi- 



32 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

ously as a precious relique." Aftei* indulging 
awhile in magnificent festivities, he was on the 
point of returning to France, "to raise new 
forces against the next yeare." A noble escort 
accompanied him as far as Nuremberg, where 
he was " royally feasted" for the last time. " The 
next morning he was found dead, (how it chanced 
is not knowne,) and his brother-in-law died two 
days after; whose hearts with much sorrow 
were carried into France." 



CHAPTER III. 

Smith enlists with Meldritch in the Service of Sigismund — 
Reg-all Besieged — Challenere from the Turks — Smith slays 
Three in Single Combat — Both Armies finally Encounter — 
the Christians victorious — Honors and Pension to Smit.h. 

In the last chapter we have seen that Count 
Meldritch was dispatched to aid in the conquest 
of Transylvania, at that time not only struggling 
to maintain an independent existence, but also 
engaged in a war with the Turks. The Em- 
peror of Germany was making vigorous efforts 
to subjugate the country, and place it on a level 
with his other provinces, while the native prince 
Sigismund Bathor, was employing every avail- 
able means to preserve his hereditary rights for 
his own "use, benefit and behoof." It happened 
luckily for the latter that Meldritch was a Tran- 
sylvanian by birth; and, although a soldier of 
fortune, he seems to have had some "compunc- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 33 

tious visitings" as to the propriety of assisting 
Busca to subject his native land to the emperor's 
domination. Other reasons, too, no doubt, had 
their influence with him: both himself and fol- 
lowers may have seen much good judgment in 
exchanging the "hard payes and travells" of 
their late employer for "free libertie to make 
bootie upon what they could get possession of 
from the Turkes." By whatever motive sway- 
ed, his division was "easily persuaded to follow 
him whithersoever" he might direct. Thus 
situated, it is not wonderful that he entertained 
and finally accepted overtures "to assist the 
Prince against the Turke, rather than Busca 
against the Prince." For this timely aid, the 
latter was not ungrateful: Being "glad of so 
brave a commander, and so many expert and 
ancient souldiers," he made Meldritch "camp- 
master of his armie," and furnished whatever 
necessaries were required by his troops, giving 
them also "what freedome they desired to plun- 
der the Turkes." It so happened that the Turks 
were at this time in possession of that part of 
Transylvania in which the count's paternal es- 
tates were situated, and it was very natural that 
he should wish to expel "the insolent foe" from 
this territory, in preference to any other. He 
therefore "desired leave of the Prince to trie his 
fortunes [in that quarter], and to make use of 
that experience the time of twentie yeares had 
taught him in the emperour's service, promising 
to spend the rest of his dayes for his countries 
defence in his excellencies service." 



34 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

This arrangement being satisfactory to all 
parties, and more particularly to Smith, who 
could thereby continue to indulge his inclina- 
tion for "fighting the Turkes," Meldritch made 
many incursions into the invaded territory, then 
occupied, we are told, by "some Turkes, some 
Tartars, but most Bandittoes, Rennegadoes, and 
such like," whom he occasionally "forced into 
the plaines of Regall." Here, we are also told, 
was "a citie not only of men and fortifications, 
strong of itselfe, but so environed v\ath moun- 
taines" that "no attempt had been made upon 
it to any purpose." Having selected a spot for 
encampment — one possessing "the most conve- 
nient passages for bringing his armie unto it — 
the earth no sooner put on her greene habit, 
than the Earle overspread her with his armed 
troopes." Great difficulties were encountered 
in transporting the ordnance and stores up the 
"rugged acclivious slopes;" but energy and per- 
severance overcame every obstacle, and at last 
eight thousand men w^ere enabled to pitch their 
tents before the city. In the interim, the Turks 
had so "strengthened the towne with men and 
provision, that they made a scorne of so small 
a number as Meldritch brought with him" — 
frequently sallying forth, and engaging in a skir- 
mish, as if for mere pastime; but on one occa- 
sion " they had rather a bloudy battell than a 
skirmish," in which " the losse was neere fifteen 
hundred on both sides." The Christians, how- 
ever, were soon reinforced by "nine thousand 
foot and horse, and six-and-twentie peeces of 



CAPTAIN JOHN S3IITH. 35 

ordnance," under Prince Moyses, who at once 
assumed the chief command. As even this 
additional strength did not warrant them in at- 
tempting to storm the town, they were contented 
with making immediate preparations for bringing 
their effective ordnance into play. Presuming 
that the necessary approaches were made secun- 
dum artem, it of course required time; nearly a 
month was spent "in entrenching themselves 
and raising their mounts to plant their batteries, 
which slow proceedings the Turks oft derided," 
at the same time ironically expressing their fears 
that the besiegers would depart without attempt- 
ing an assault upon their city. Among other 
bravadoes, they "sent this challenge to any 
captaine in the armie: 

"That to delight the Ladies, who did long 
to see some court-like pastime, the Lord Turba- 
shaw did defie any Captaine, that had the com- 
mand of a Company, who durst combate with 
him for his head: The matter being discussed, 
it was accepted, but so many questions grew for 
the undertaking, it was decided by lots, which 
fell upon Captaine Smith, before spoken of. 

"Truce being made for that time, the Ram- 
piers all beset with faire Dames, and men in 
Armes, the Christians in Battalio ; Turbashaw 
with a noise of Howboyes entered the field well 
mounted and armed; on his shoulders were fixed 
a paire of great wings, compacted of Eagles 
feathers within a ridge of silver, richly garnished 
with gold and precious stones, a Janizary before 
him, bearing his Lance, on each side another 



36 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

leading his horse; where long hee stayed not, 
ere Smith with a noise of Trumpets, only a page 
bearing his Lance, passing by him with a court- 
eous salute, tooke his ground with such goode 
successe, that at the sound of the charge, he 
passed the Turke thorow the sight of his Beaver, 
face, head and all, that he fell dead to the ground, 
where alighting and unbracing his Helmet, cut 
off his head, and the Turkes tooke his body; 
and so returned without any hurt at all. The 
head hee presented to the Lord Moses, the Gen- 
erall, who kindly accepted it, and with joy to the 
whole armie he was generally welcomed. 

" The death of this Captaine so swelled in the 
heart of one Grualgo, his vowed friend, as rather 
inraged with madnesse than choUer, he directed 
a particular challenge to the Conquerour, to re- 
gaine his friends head, or lose his owne, with his 
horse and Armour for advantage, which accord- 
ing to his desire was the next day undertaken : 
as before upon the sound of the Trumpets, their 
Lances flew in peeces upon a cleare passage, 
but the Turke was neere unhorsed. Their pis- 
tolls was the next, which marked Smith upon the 
placard ; but the next shot the Turke was so 
wounded in the left arme, that being not able 
to rule his horse, and defend himselfe, he was 
throwne to the ground, and so bruised with the 
fall, that he lost his head, as his friend before him, 
with his horse and Armour; but his body and 
his rich apparell was sent backe to the Towne. 

"Every day the Turkes made some sallies, 
but few skirmishes would they endure to any 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 37 

purpose. Our workes and approaches being not 
yet advanced to that height and effect which 
was of necessitie to be performed ; to delude 
time, Smith with so many incontradictible per- 
swading reasons, obtained leave that the Ladies 
might know he was not so much enamoured of 
their servants heads, but if any Turke of their 
ranke would come to the place of combate to 
redeeme them, should have his also upon the like 
conditions, if he could winne it. 

"The challenge presently was accepted by 
Bonny Mulgro. The next day both the Cham- 
pions entring the field as before, each discharg- 
ing their Pistoll, having no Lances, but such 
martiall weapons as the defendant appointed, no 
hurt was done ; their Battle-axes was the next ; 
whose piercing bils made sometime the one, 
sometime the other to have scarce sense to 
keepe their saddles, specially the Christian re- 
ceived such a blow that he lost his Battle-axe, 
and failed not much to have fallen after it, where- 
at the supposing conquering Turk had a great 
shout from the Rampiers. The Turk prosecuted 
his advantage to the uttermost of his power: yet 
the other, what by the readinesse of his horse, 
and his judgment and dexterity in such a busi- 
nesse, beyond all mens expectation, by Gods as- 
sistance, not onely avoided the Turkes violence, 
but having drawne his Faulchion, pierced the 
Turke so under the Culets thorow back and 
body, that although he alighted from his horse, 
he stood not long ere hee lost his head, as the 
rest had done. " 
4 



38 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

"This good successe gave such'great encour- 
agement to the whole Armie, that with a guard 
of six thousand, three spare horses, before each 
a Turkes head upon a Lance, he was conducted 
to the Generalls Pavillion with his Presents. — 
Moyses received both him and them with as 
much respect as the occasion desei-ved, and 
embracing him in his armes, gave him a fairc 
Horse, richly furnished, a Semitere and belt 
worth three hundred ducats; and Meldritch 
made him Sergeant major of his regiment." 

To these warlike pastimes succeeded more 
fierce encounters, in which all the forces of both 
sides were engaged, and which eventually re- 
sulted in an overwhelming victory for the Chris- 
tians. After sacking several towns, and taking 
two thousand prisoners, mostly women and chil- 
dren, the army retraced its steps, and encamped 
at Esenberg. While here, Sigismund visited 
the encampment, and "was made acquainted 
with the service Smith had done at Olympagh, 
Stowle-Wesenburg and Regall, for which with 
great honour hee gave him three Turkes heads 
in a Shield for his Armes, by Patent, under his 
hand and Seale, with an Oath ever to weare 
them in his Colours, his Picture in Gould, and 
three hundred Ducats yeerely for a Pension." 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 39 



CHAPTER IV. 

Sigrismund withdraws to private life — Transfer of tlie Army- 
Revolt of Wallachia — Activity of Smith in the Battles which 
followed — He is wounded, captured, and sold into Slavery 
—Kills his Master and Escapes — Diplomaof his Title — Visits 
Africa — Returns to England. 

Soon after the events just recorded, Sigismund 
concluded a peace with the emperor, receiving 
a magnificent pension in lieu of an independent 
crown; and retired to Prague, where he after- 
wards entertained his friends in the character 
of a private nobleman. The services of his 
army were transferred to the emperor; and as 
the transfer was not wholly acceptable to many 
who had espoused the cause of Sigismund from 
principle, it was apparent that the only way of 
securing their fidelity, was by keeping them ac- 
tively employed. An opportunity to satisfy their 
restlessness soon occurred; for the inhabitants of 
Wallachia, (then a province of Turkey,) driven 
to revolt by the tyranny of Jeremy, their way- 
wode, or governor,* applied to the emperor for 
assistance, which he very gladly afforded, and 
conferred the governorship on Lord Rodoll. — 
The Earl of Meldritch, with an army of thirty 
thousand men — the elite of those troops who had 
been serving Sigismund — accompanied by Smith 
and a host of other gallant officers, went to sup- 
port the claims of the emperor's new waywode. 

* This official had been recently appointed in place of 
Michael, a popular ruler, deceased. 



40 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

In the mean time, Jeremy had raised an army 
of forty thousand Tartars, Moldavians, and 
Turks, to assist in reestablishing his authority; 
and with this force he fortified himself in the 
Plains of Peske, awaiting the arrival of reinforce- 
ments from " the Crym-Tartar." What followed 
is vividly described in an old book, entitled ''The 
Wm-res of Hungaria, Wallachia, and Molda- 
via," written by Francisco Ferneza, "a learned 
Italian, and the prince's secretarie, — translated 
by Mr. Purchas." No apology will be required 
for extracting the details entire,' as they afford 
a better picture of the sanguinary scenes than 
could be gathered from any modern version: 

"Rodoil not knowing how to draw the enemie 
to battell, raised his Arme, burning and spoyling 
all whei'e he came, and returned againe towards 
Rebrinke in the night ; as if he had fled upon 
the generall rumour of the Crym-Tartars com- 
ing, which so inflamed the Turkes of a happy 
victory, they vrged leremy against his will to 
follow them. RodoU seeing his plot fell out as 
he desired, so ordered the matter, that having 
regained the streights, he put his Army in order, 
that had beene neere two dayes pursued, with 
continuall skirmishes in his Reare, which now 
making head against the enemie, that followed 
with their whole Armie in the best manner they 
could, was furiously charged with six thousand 
Hydukes, Wallachians, and Moldavians, led by 
three Colonells, Oversall, Dubras, and Caleb, to 
entertaine the time till the rest came up; Veltus 
and Nederspolt with their Regiments, entertained 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 41 

them with the like courage, till the Zanzacke 
Hamesbeg, with six thousand more, came with 
a fresh charge, which Meldritch and Budendorfe, 
rather like enraged lions than men, so bravely 
encountered, as if in them only had consisted 
the victory ; Meldritchs horse being slaine vnder 
him, the Turks pressed what they could to have 
taken him prisoner, but being remounted, it was 
thought with his owne hand he slew the valiant 
Zanzacke, whereupon his troopes retyring, the 
two proud Bashawes, Aladin and Zizimmus, 
brought up the front of the body of their battell. 
Veltus and Nederspolt having breathed, and 
joyning their troopes with Becklefield and Zar- 
vana, with such an incredible courage charged 
the left flancke of Zizimmus, as put them all in 
disorder, where Zizimmus the Bashaw was taken 
prisoner, but died presently upon his wounds, 
leremie seeing now the maine battell of RodoU 
advance, being thus constrained, like a valiant 
Prince in his front of the Vantgard, by his ex- 
ample so brauely encouraged his souldiers, that 
RodoU found no great assurance of the victorie. 
Thus being joyned in this bloudy massacre, that 
there was scarce ground to stand upon, but upon 
the dead carkasses, which in lesse than an bower 
were so mingled, as if each Regiment had singled 
out other. The admired Aladin that day did 
leave behinde him a glorious name for his valour, 
whose death many of his enemies did lament 
after the victory, which at that instant fell to 
Rodoll. It was reported leremie was also slaine, 
but it was not so, but fled with the remainder of 
4* 



42 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

his Armie to Moldavia, leaving five and twentv 
thousand dead in the field, of both Armies. — 
And thus Rodoll was seated againe in his Soue- 
raignty, and Wallachia became subject to the 
Emperour. 

"But long he rested not to settle his new es- 
tate, but there came newes that certaine Regi- 
ments of stragling Tartars were foraging those 
parts towards Moldavia. Meldritch with thir- 
teene thousand men was sent against them, but 
when they heard it was the Crym-Tartar and 
sonnes, with an Army of thirty thousand; and 
leremie, that had escaped with fourteene or fif- 
teene thousand, lay in ambush for them about 
Langanaw, he retired towards Rottenton, a 
strong garrison for Rodoll ; but they were so en- 
vironed with these hellish numbers, they could 
make no great haste for skirmishing with their 
scouts, forragers, and small parties that still en- 
countered them. But one night, amongst the 
rest, having made passage through a wood, with 
an incredible expedition, cutting trees thwart 
each other to hinder their passage, in a thicke 
fogge early in the morning, unexpectedly they 
met two thousand loaded with pillage, and two 
or three hundred horse and cattell ; the most of 
them were slaine and taken prisoners, who told 
them where leremie lay in the passage, expecting 
the Crym-Tartar that was not farre from him. 
Meldritch intending to make his passage per- 
force, was advised of a pretty stratagem by the 
English Smith, which presently he thus accom- 
plished; for having accommodated two or three 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 43 

hundred truncks with wilde fire, vpon the heads 
of lances, and charging the enemie in the night, 
gave fire to the truncks, which blazed forth such 
flames and sparkles, that it so amazed not onely 
their horses, but their foot also; that by the 
meanes of this flaming encounter, their owne 
horses turned tailes with such fury, as by their 
violence overthrew leremy and his Army, with- 
out any losse at all to speak of to Meldritch. 
But of this victory long they triumphed not; for 
being within three leagues of Rottenton, the 
Tartar with neere forty thousand so beset them, 
that they must either fight, or be cut in peeces 
flying. Here Busca and the Emperour had their 
desire; for the Sunne no sooner displayed his 
beames, than the Tartar his colours ; where at 
midday he stayed a while, to see the passage of 
a tyrannicall and treacherous imposture, till the 
earth did blush with the bloud of honesty, that 
the Sunne for shame did hide himselfe, from so 
monstrous sight of a cowardly calamity. It 
was a most brave sight to see the banners and 
ensignes streaming in the aire, the glittering of 
Armour, the variety of colours, the motion of 
plumes, the forrests of lances, and the thicknesse 
of shorter weapons, till the silent expedition of 
the bloudy blast from the murdering Ordnance, 
whose roaring voice is not so soone heard, as 
felt by the aymed at object, which made among 
them a most lamentable slaughter. 

" In the valley of Veristhorne, betwixt the riv^er 
of Altus and the mountaine of Rottenton, was 
this bloudv encounter, where the most of the 



44 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

dearest friends of the noble Prince Sigismundus 
perished. Meldritch having ordered his eleven 
thousand in the best manner he could ; at the 
foot of the mountaine upon his flancks, and be- 
fore his front, he had pitched sharpe stakes, their 
heads hardened in the fire, and bent against the 
enemie, as three battalion of Pikes, amongst the 
which also there was digged many small holes. 
Amongst those stakes was ranged his footmen, 
that upon the charge was to retire, as there was 
occasion. The Tartar having ordered his 40000. 
for his best advantage, appointed Mustapha Ba- 
shaw to beginne the battell, with a generall shout, 
all their Ensignes displaying, Drummes beating, 
Trumpets and Howboyes sounding. Nederspolt 
and Mavazo with their Regiments of horse most 
valiantly encountered, and forced them to retire ; 
the Tartar Begolgi with his Squadrons, darken- 
ing the skies with their flights of numberles 
arrowcs, who was bravely encountred by Veltus 
and Oberwin, which bloudie slaughter continued 
more than an houre, till the matchlesse multitude 
of the Tartars, so increased, that they retired 
within their Squadrons of stakes as was directed. 
The bloudy Tartar, as scorning he should stay 
so long for the victorie, with his massie troopes 
prosecuted the charge: but it was a wonder to 
see how horse and man came to the ground 
among the stakes, whose disoi'dered troopes were 
so mangled, that the Christians with a loud shout 
cryed Victoria; and with five or six field peeces, 
planted vpon the rising of a mountaine, did much 
hurt to the enemy that still continued the battell 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 45 

with that furie, that Meldritch, seeing there was 
no possibihtie to long preuaile, ioyned his small 
troopes in one body, resolued directly to make 
his passage or die in the conclusion; and thus 
in grosse gaue a general charge, and for more 
than half an houre made his way plaine before 
him, till the maine battel of the Crym-Tartar 
with two regiments of Turkes and lanizaries so 
overmatched them, that they were overthrowen. 
The night approaching, the Earle with some 
thirteene or fourteene hundred horse, swamme 
the River; some were drowned, all the rest slaine 
or taken prisoners: And thus in this bloudy field 
neere 30000. lay, some headlesse, armelesse and 
leglesse, all cut and mangled ; where breathing 
their last, they gaue this knowledge to the world, 
that for the Hues of so few, the Crym-Tartar 
neuer paid dearer." 

"In this dismall battell," most of the principal 
officers were slain, together with a large propor- 
tion of the foreign adventurers who had gone to 
the wars "in defence of Christ and his Gospell." 
Smith perpetuates the names of a few English- 
men, " who did what men could doe, and when 
they could doe no more, left there their bodies 
in testimonie of their mindes." He was very 
severely wounded, and lay groaning among the 
rest, when he was found by some pillagers ; who, 
judging by his armor and habit that "his ransome 
might be better to them than his death," were at 
some pains to cure his wounds. When he was 
sufficiently recovered, he was sent,- with many 
others, to Axiopolis, where "they were all sold for 



46 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

slaves, like beasts in a market-place." He was 
purchased by one Bashaw Bogall, who sent him 
forthwith to Constantinople, as a present to his 
young mistress, Charatza Tragabigzanda — in- 
forming her that he was a Bohemian lord, con- 
quered by his hand. The young lady at once 
manifested interest enough in her new slave to 
inquire into the circumstances of his captivity ; 
and when she was made acquainted with the 
truth — when she was satisfied of the deception 
that Bogall had attempted — ^"she tooke much 
compassion on him. But having no use for him, 
lest her mother should sell him, she sent him to 
her brother, the Tymor Bashaw of Nalbrits, in 
the Countrey of Gambia, a Province in Tartaria." 
Not satisfied with placing him beyond the dan- 
ger of being transferred to other owners, "this 
kinde ladie writ so much for his good usage " that 
her brother half suspected some latent intentions 
on her part of eventually forming other relations 
than those of owner and slave; "for shee told 
him he should there biit sojourne to learne the 
language, and what it was to be a Turke, till 
time made her Master of her selfe." 

Whatever the lady's plans were, they were 
sadly frustrated ; for her brother, instead of treat- 
ing Smith with the kindness anticipated, "within 
an houre after his arrivall, caused his Drub-man 
to strip him naked, and shave his head and beard 
so bare as his hand. A great ring of iron, with 
a long stalke bowed like a sickle, was riveted 
about his necke," and he was then clothed with 
a coat of coarse hair-cloth, "guarded [girded] 



CAl'TAIN JOHN SMITH. 47 

about with a piece of an undrest skinne." It 
will be readily surmised that the general appear- 
ance of his figure was any thing but gratifying 
to our hero. But the worst has not been told. 
" There were many more Christian slaves, and 
neere an hundred of Forsados of Turkes and 
Moores, and he being the last, was slave of slaves 
to them all. Among these slavish fortunes there 
was no great choice ; for the best was so bad, a 
dog could hardly have lived to endure, and yet 
for all their paines and labours, no more regarded 
than a beast." 

In the midst of all his sufferings, the thoughts 
of Smith were frequently turned towards the 
fair sister of his cruel master. It was her love, 
of which perhaps he had some indistinct percep- 
tions, that encouraged him to cherish the hope 
of being delivered from his thraldom; and he 
concluded of course that she (who "surely was 
ignorant of his bad usage,") would sooner or 
later contrive some means for his emancipation. 
Yet it is pretty evident that he was not inclined 
to rely solely upon this chance; for he often 
"debated the matter with some Christians who 
had been there a long time slaves, and they could 
not find how to make an escape by any reason 
or possibility." Whether it was a matter of 
favor or not, it is hard to say; but we are told 
that "he became a thresher at a grange in a 
great field, more than a league from the Tymor's 
house," where he was often visited by the ba- 
shaw. One day — the last of his earthly pilgrim- 
age — his persecutor "tooke occasion so to beat, 



48 LIFE AND ADVENTURES Of 

spurne, and revile him, that, forgetting all reason, 
he beat out the Tymor's braines with his thresh- 
ing-bat, for they have no flailes; and seeing his 
estate could be no worse than it was, clothed 
nimself in his clothes, hid his body under the 
straw, filled his knapsacke with corne, mounted 
his horse, and ranne into the desart at all adven- 
ture." Here he wandered about for two or 
three days, he knew not whither, until " God did 
direct him to the great way or Castragan, as 
they call it, which doth crosse these large terri- 
tories." "In every crossing of this great way 
is planted a post, and in it so many bobs with 
broad ends as there be wayes, and every bob 
the figure painted on it that demonstrateth to 
what part that way leadeth; as that which 
pointeth towards the Crym's Country, is marked 
with a halfe Moone; if towards the Georgians 
and Persia, a blacke man, full of white spots; 
if towards China, the picture of the Sunne; if 
towards Muscovia, the signe of a Crosse; if 
towards the habitation of any other Prince, the 
figure whereby his standard is knowne." 

The particularity with which the very*guide- 
posts are described, is clear evidence that Smith, 
although he "travelled in feare and torment," 
was not, even under such circumstances, heed- 
less of surrounding objects. He took the road 
pointed out by the "signe of a crosse," and fol- 
lowed it for sixteen days, when he arrived at 
Ecopolis, a Russian garrison on the river Don. 
The governor, after due examination, "tooke 
off his irons, and so kindly used him, he thought 



J 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



49 



himself new risen from death; and the good 
Lady Callamata largely supplied all his wants." 
As this spot possessed no particular attractions 
to detain him, he embraced the first favorable 
opportunity of making his way to regions more 
congenial to his spirit. At his departure he was 
furnished by the governor with "friendly letters," 
which secured him a warm welcome and liberal 
treatment in several provinces through which 
he passed. "In all his life," he says "he seldom 
. met with more respect, mirth, content and en- 
tertainment; and not any governour where he 
came but gave him somewhat as a present, be- 
sides his charges; seeing themselves as subject 
to the like calamity." 

After as pleasant a journey as could be made 
in the dreary countries through which he passed, 
he reached Transylvania, where he "found so 
many good friends, that, but to see and rejoyce 
himselfe (after all those encounters) in his native 
Country, he would ever hardly have left them." 
Feeling, however, the force of the old saw, " the 
best of friends must sometimes part," he did not 
remain long to partake of their hospitalities and 
bounties, which, judging from the grateful man- 
ner they are acknowledged, must have been 
lavished upon him with no measured hand. 
Anxiously desiring to greet once more his for- 
mer companions in arms, he set out for Prague, 
visiting and examining the principal interme- 
diate places in his route. He was not disap- 
pointed in receiving a cordial reception at the 
place of his destination ; for Sigismund, not only 
5 



50 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

gave him a diploma,* confirming the honors he 
had formerly conferred, but also presented him 
fifteen hundred ducats to repair his losses. 

* The following is a copy of this curious document, with 
the certificate of its admission and record in the Herald's 
College, England: 

"SiGisMVNDVs Bathor, by the Grace of God, Duke of 
Transilvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia, Earle of Anchard, 
Salford and Growenda; to whom this Writing may come 
or appeare. Know that We have given leave and licence 
to lohn Smith an English Gentleman, Captairie of 250. 
Souldiers, under the most Generous and Honourable Henry 
Volda, Earle of Meldritch, Salmaria, and Peldoia, Colonell 
of a thousand horse, and fifteene hundred foot, in the warres 
of Hungary, and in the Provinces aforesaid under our 
authority; whose service doth deserve all praise and per- 
petual! memory towards us, as a man that did for God and 
his Country overcome his enemies: Wherefore out of Our 
love and favour, according to the law of Amies, We have 
ordained and given him in his shield of Armes, the figure 
and description of three Turks heads, which with his 
sword before the towne of Regall, in single combat he did 
overcome, kill, and cut off, in the Province of Transilvania. 
But fortune, as she is very variable, so it chanced and hap- 
pened to him in the province of Wallachia, in the yeare of 
our Lord, 1602. the 18. day of November, with many 
others, as well Noble men, as also divers other Souldiers, 
were taken prisoners by the Lord Bashaw of Gambia, a 
Country of Tartaria; whose cruelty brought him such good 
fortune, by the helpe and power of Almighty God, that hoe 
delivered himselfe, and returned againe to his company and 
fellow souldiers, of whom We doe discharge him, and this 
hee hath in witnesse thereof, being much more worthy of 
a better reward; and now intends to returne to his owne 
sweet Country. We desire therefore all our loving and 
kinde kinsmen, Dukes, Princes, Earles, Barons, Govern- 
ours of Townes, Cities, or Ships, in this Kingdome, or 
any other Provinces he shall come iji, that you freely let 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 51 

With such ample means for further indulging 
his predominant taste, he spent some time in 
visiting the principal cities of Germany, France 
and Spain — paying particular attention to the 
universities, monasteries, fortifications and other 
objects of literary, religious or scientific interest, 
which were prominent at that period. 

" Being thus satisfied with Europe and Asia," 
he says, and " understanding of the warres in 
Barbary," he went from Gibraltar to Tangiers, 
and thence to Saffy, where he became acquaint- 
ed with the captain of a French man-of-war, 
with whom he "went to Morocco, to see the 
ancient monuments of that renowned citie." 

passe this the aforesaid Captaine, without any hinderance 
cir molestation, and this doing, with all kindnesse we are 
always ready to doe the like for you. Sealed at Lipswiok 
in Misenland, the ninth of December, in the yeare of our 
Lord, 1603. "SIGISMVNDVS BATHOR. 

" With the proper privilege of his Majesiie.''^ 

" To all and singular, in what place, state, degree, order, 
or condition whatsoever, to whom this present writing shall 
come: I, William Segar, Knight, otherwise Garter, and 
principall King of Amies of England, wish health. Know 
tliat I the aforesaid Garter, do witnesse and approve, that 
this aforesaid Patent, I have scene, signed, and sealed, un- 
der the proper hand and Seale Manual of the said Duke of 
Transilvania, and a true coppy of the same, as a thing for 
perpetuall memory, I have subscribed and recorded in the 
Reaister and office of the Heralds of Armes. Dated at 
London the nineteenth day of August, in the yeare of our 
Lord, 1625. and in the first yeare of our Soueraigne Lord 
Charles by the grace of God, King of great Britaine, France, 
and Ireland; Defender of the faith, &.c. 

"WILUAM SEGAR." 



52 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

Here the king's palace, which was "like a citie 
of itselfe," and the Christian church, attracted 
his especial attention. After noticing a great 
brouch of iron on the flat square steeple of the 
latter, " whei'eon is placed the three golden balls 
of Africa," he informs us that "against those 
golden balls hath been shot many a shot, (their 
weight is recorded 700 weight of pure gold, hol- 
low within,) yet no shot did ever hit them, nor 
could ever any conspirator attaine that honor as 
to get them dovvne." The universities which 
once flourished, and sent forth famous men, 
were then " but stables for fowles and beasts, and 
the houses in most parts lay tumbled one above 
another." He was told " strange tales of a great 
garden, wherein were all sorts of birds, fishes, 
beasts, fruits, and fountaines, which, for beauty, 
art, and pleasure, exceeded any place known in 
the world, though now nothing but dung-hills, 
pigeon-houses, shrubs and bushes." Many re- 
mains of magnificent temples, towers, ports, and 
fountains — the evidences of former greatness 
and prosperity — were then only regarded as 
the "reliques of lamentable ruines and sad 
desolation." 

The cause of those "brawles and warres" 
with which the country was then distracted, was 
a struggle for the absolute sovereignty of the 
empire, suddenly vacated by the violent death of 
Muley Hamet, who had been poisoned by one of 
his numerous wives, in the hope of establishing 
her favorite son, Muley Sidan, upon the throne. 
This case of poisoning was one of those whole- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



53 



sale murders which in this "enhghtened nine- 
teenth century," and in this section of the world 
would be denounced as the result of "Awful 
Human Depravity," or as an " Unparalleled and 
Inhuman Butchery !" but in Morocco, they had 
not arrived at that degree of refinement which 
led the people to attach any high moral respon- 
sibility to the perpetrators of such an act, espe- 
cially if they successfully accomplished the object 
of their ambition. The emperor was not the 
only victim sacrificed by his wicked "empresse, 
more cruel than any beast in Africa: * * * 
her own daughter, Muley Shecke (his eldest 
Sonne, borne of a Portugall Ladie) and his 
daughter," were all cut off at "one fell swoop," 
and that, too, at the instigation of "a saint that 
started up, but he played the Devill !" Another 
son of Hamet, however, Muley Besseres, upset 
the plans of this saint-devil and his adherents 
for a time, by taking possession of Morocco and 
all his father's treasure ; but Muley Sidan after- 
wards succeeded in raising an army, which he 
brought against his brother, and took him pris- 
oner. At this crisis of affairs. Smith, becom- 
ing disgusted with "the perfidious, treacherous, 
bloud)^ murthers rather than warre, among those 
perfidious, barbarous Moores;" concluded to 
embark again with his French captain (Mer- 
ham) for SafTy, "to try some other conclusions 
at sea." 

While Merham was lying in the roads, he 
invited Smith and two or three more guests 
"aboard with him, whei-e he spared not any 
5* 



54 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

thing he had to expresse his kindnesse to bid 
them welcome;" or, in more modern parlance, 
these boon companions had such a jolly good 
time, and the hom's fled so merrily and rapidly 
unawares, that it was at last found too late to 
return to their inns, and "necessitie constrained 
them to stay aboard. A fairer evening could 
not be, yet ere midnight such a storm did arise, 
they were forced to let slip cable and anchor, 
and put to sea; spooning before the wind till 
the}^ were driven to the Canaries. In the calmes 
they accommodated themselves, hoping this 
strange accident might yet produce some good 
event;" nor were they disappointed; for, not 
long after, they took a small bark from TenerifFe, 
laden with wine. After cruising about here for 
awhile, capturing several other vessels, in which 
they found but little, they again stood for the 
African shore, "betwixt which and Cape Noa 
they descried two saile. Merham, intending to 
know what they were, hailed them; very civilly 
they daused their topsailes, and desired the man 
of warre to come aboard them, and take what 
he would, for they were but two poor distressed 
Bickiners. But Merham, the old fox, seeing 
himselfe in the lion's pawes, sprung his loufe; 
the other tacked after him, and came close up 
to his nether quarter, gave his broad-side, and 
80 loufed up to windward; the Vice-Admirall 
did the like, and at the next bout the Admiral), 
with a noise of trumpets, and all his ordnance, 
murtherers, and muskets, boorded him on his 
broad- side; the other in like manner on his lee 



CAPTAIX JOHN SMITH. 55 

quarter." T.he Spaniards were so warmly re- 
ceived that tiiey made but a short stay, prefer- 
ring gun range to close quarters, and leaving 
"four or five of his men sprawling over the 
grating. After they had battered Merham about 
an houre, they boorded him againe as before, 
and threw four kedgers or grapnalls in iron 
chains; then sheering off", they thought so to 
have torne downe the grating; but the Admirall's 
yard was so intangled in their shrouds, Mer- 
ham had time to discharge two cross-bar shots 
amongst them, and divers bolts of iron made 
for that purpose against his bow, that made such 
a breach, he feared they both should have sunke 
for company ; so that the Spaniard was as yare 
[ready] in shipping his chained grapnalls, as 
Merham was in cutting the tackling [which] 
kept fast their yards in his shrouds." Again 
clearing themselves, "the vice-admirall spared 
neither his ordnance nor muskets to keepe Mer- 
ham from getting away till the admirall had re- 
paired his leake. From twelve at noone till six 
at night they thus interchanged one volley for 
another ; when the vice-admirall fell astern, stay- 
ing for the admirall that came up againe to him." 
Merham, finding little chance of gaining any 
thing but hard knocks, hauled off, and shaped 
his course for Mamora, but made such small 
progress, that the next morning he found him- 
self not three leagues from Cape Noa, and "the 
two Spanish men of warre (for such they were, 
and well appointed,)" close upon him. They 
renewed the action by giving him "broad-side 



56 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

and Sterne, the one after the other, within mus- 
ket shot, plying their ordnance; and, after an 
houre's worke, commanded Merham a maine 
[prize] for the King of Spain upon faii'e quarter. 
Merham dranke to them, and so discharged his 
quarter peeces." This was certainly cool, and 
not at all relished by the Spaniards, who deter- 
mined once more to try their hand at .boarding. 
* * * "Many of them were got to the top 
to unsling the maine saile, which the Master and 
some others from the round-house caused to their 
cost to come tumbling downe;" a portion of the 
boarders were forced to the great cabin, which 
was soon after blown up, and the "smoke and 
fire was so vehement," that the ship was supposed 
to be on fire; the forecastle was also blown up, 
"with a peece of the grating," making sad 
havoc among the Spaniards, who were glad to 
leave in double quick-time. Merham, perceiving 
that the fire was making rapid headwaj^, for a 
brief space turned all his attention to subduing 
this new enemy. By means of " wet clothes 
and water" covering the open places with old 
sails and similar appliances, danger was soon 
overcome, and the vessel again in fighting trim 
— "prepared to fight to the last man." Merham 
not only succeeded in quenching the flames in 
his own ship, but the valor of the Spaniards also ; 
for they "hung out a flagge of truce to have a 
parley; but the Frenchman, knowing "there 
was but one way with him," let them have "the 
report of his ordnance, which he did well know 
how to use for his best advantage. Thus thev 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 57 

spent the next afternoone and halfe that night, 
when the Spaniards either lost them or left them. 
Seven-and-twentie men Merham had siaine, and 
sixteene wounded, and could finde they had re- 
ceived 140 great shot. A wounded Spanyard 
they had kept alive confessed they had lost 100 
men in the Admirall, which they did feare would 
sink ere they could recover a port." 

It would be absurd to suppose that Smith was 
a mere looker-on in this long-protracted and 
sanguinary struggle, although his modesty did 
not allow him to chronicle any achievement of 
his own hand. Merham* and himself were so 
much alike in spirit, that it is very reasonable 
to infer that either would have readily and ably 
seconded the other in any affair of this kind, even 
for the fun of it, if nothing else. After return- 
ing to Saffy, Smith took leave of his "gallant 
French captaine," and made the best of his way 
to England, reaching that country some time 
in the year 1604. 

In all the varied scenes through which he 
passed, the active mind of Smith was ever on 
the alert. No object of interest escaped his 
notice; and the stores of useful knowledge he 
was constantly accumulating, he was always 
ready to dispense to others less fortunate than 
himself. Selfishness formed but a very small 
portion of his composition; and, as a general 
principle, in whatever enterprise he engaged, he 
was prompted by some higher motive than mere- 
ly personal advantage. To "see the world," and 
inform himself of the actual condition of "nations 



58 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

beyond sea," was probably his "ruling passion;" 
and while indulging in this species of errantry 
for the laudable purpose of improving himself, 
he was likewise emulous that others should reap 
the benefits of his experience. Even while in 
slavery among the Tartars, he was apparently 
as much occupied in observing the manners, 
customs, and institutions of that rude people, as 
he was in meditating plans for his escape. This 
is manifest from the minuteness with which he 
describes their towhs, cities, dress, religions, en- 
tertainments, laws, and such-like matters ; and 
the memorials he has left will enable any one to 
form a pretty correct estimate of the country 
and its inhabitants. Although smarting under 
the cruel wrongs of slavery, he was too magnan- 
imous to withhold a passing ti'ibute to whatever 
matter he regarded as worthy of commendation. 
Their mode of administering justice is mentioned 
with peculiar favor, and might be advantageously 
imitated by those claiming a higher rank in the 
scale of humanity. "The glorious uncertainty 
of the law" is not a recognized axiom among 
the Tartars; but, on the contrary, we are told 
that "justice is with such integrity and expedi- 
tion executed — without covetousnesse, bribery, 
partiality, and brawling — that in six months the 
judges have scarce six causes to heare." With- 
out, perhaps, intending to do so, he fully accounts 
for this blessed and blessing jurispi'udence, by 
further informing us that they have no "lawyers 
nor attournies" among them ! 

While in Barbary he gathered much informa- 



CArXAI.V JOHN SMITH. 59 

tion that must have been of peculiar value in 
his day, and which he interspersed with many 
amusing and instructive anecdotes, calculated 
to interest all classes of readers. In Morocco, he 
met with an Englishman named Henry Archer, 
a watch-maker, who had been induced to settle 
in that city by the liberality of Muley Hamet.* 
This Archer enjoyed immunities not conceded 
to any other individual, yet, John Bull like, being 
a great stickler for his rights, he sometimes 
created a deal of useless trouble in maintaining 
them. On one occasion, while walking from 
the Alfantica to the Juderea, "the way being 
verie foule, he met a great Priest, or a Sante, 
(as they call all great clergy-men) who would 
have thrust him into the durt for the way ; but 
Archer, not knowing what he was, gave him a 
box on the eare. Presently he was apprehended, 
and condemned to have his tongue cut out, and 
his hand cut off; but no sooner was it knowen 
at the King's court, but 300 of his guard came, 
broke open the prison, and delivered him, al- 
though the fact was next degree to treason." 

Another story is told of this Archer, develop- 
ing some facts which are interesting, in connec- 
tion with natural historv: "Not far from Mount 



* "Muley Hamet was not blacke, as many suppose, but 
molato, or tavvnie, as are the most of his subjects — everie 
way noble, kinde, and friendly, verie rich and pompous in 
state and majesty." He "delighted so much in the refor- 
mation of workmanship," that he "entertained from Eng- 
land gold-smiths, plummers, carvers and polishers of stone, 
and watch-makers." 



60 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Atlas, a great lioness in the heat of the day was 
wont to bathe herself, and teach her young pup- 
pies to swim, in the river Cauzeff, of a goodly 
breadth." She would frequently carry them one 
after another over the river ; which some Moors 
perceiving, watched their opportunity, and when 
the river was between her and them, stole four of 
her whelps. On perceiving this, with all possible 
speed she recrossed the river, and hastened in 
pursuit. When almost up with the Moors, they 
dropped one of the whelps, which she took up 
in her mouth, and returned to those she had left. 
A male and female of the captured three were 
given to Archer, who kept them in the king's 
garden till the male killed the female. The sur- 
viving one he '"brought up as a puppy-dog," 
allowing it to lie upon his bed, till it grew to the 
size of a mastiff, and no dog could be more tame 
or gentle to those he knew. While on his return 
to England, Archer met a merchant of Mar- 
seilles at Saffy, to whom he presented his uncouth 
pet; the merchant, on reaching home, gave it to 
the French king; and he, wishing to ingratiate 
himself with King James, sent it to England as 
a present to that monarch. Of course, it was 
accepted, and placed in the royal menagerie. 
Seven years afterwards, one " Mr. John Bull," 
who had formerly been a servant of Archer's, 
in company with some friends, went to see the 
lions in the Tower, not having the most remote 
idea of meeting an old playmate: "yet this rare 
beast smelled him before he saw him — whining, 
groaning, and tumbling, with such an expression 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 61 

of acquaintance," that, being informed by the 
keepers how he came thither, Bull at once sought 
permission to enter the cage. This being grant- 
ed, he went in, and "no dog could fawn more on 
his master than the lion did on him — licking his 
feet, hands, and face — skipping and tumbling to 
and fro, to the wonder of all the beholders." — 
Being satisfied with his interview. Bull made 
shift to get out of the cage, and took rather an 
abrupt leave of his old companion. " When the 
lion saw his friend gone, no beast — by bellowing, 
roaring, scratching, and howling — could express 
more rage and sorrow, nor in foure days after 
would he either eat or drink." 



CHAPTER Y. 

American Settlements in Embryo — Smith and Gosnold plan 
an Expedition — Company Formed, and Letters Patent grant- 
ed — Newport selected to command the Vessels — The Colo- 
nists leave England — Early Dissensions — Smith made a 
Prisoner— rArrival — Landing — The Council — James River — 
Explorations — Natives — Site for the Town. 

For a long time previous to Smith's arrival 
in England, the public mind had been strongly 
directed to the subject of colonizing the western 
world. Already many enterprises had been pro- 
jected, but none had met with a success at all 
commensurate with the expectations of the peo- 
ple. Sir Walter Raleigh, among others, had 
spent immense sums in endeavors to found colo- 
nies; yet, owng, as was supposed, to the mis- 
6 



62 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

management of the colonists themselves, all his 
attempts had proved futile. In 1602, Captain 
Bartholomew Gosnold had made a prosperous 
voyage to New England,* and on his return had 
given so favorable an account of the fertility of 
the country and the salubrity of the climate, 
that a lively anxiety was awakened for its colo- 
nization. Smith and Gosnold soon became ac- 
quainted, and the former at once entered into 
the plan of trying his fortune in this new field 
of adventure. "Certaine of the Nobilitie, Gen- 
try, and Marchants" were induced to become 
interested in the scheme, and prevailed upon 
King James I., in April, 1606, to issue letters 
patent to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, 
Richard Hackluyt, and their associates, granting 
them all that territory lying on the sea-coast 
between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees 
of north latitude. Two companies were formed 
— one composed mostly of London adventurers, 
and the other of gentlemen from the West of 
England — and to the first was assigned the south- 
ern portion of the grant, and to the latter the 
northern. It was provided in the patent that 
the general direction should be vested in a coun- 
cil resident in England, to be nominated by the 
crown,, wlille the local government should be 
confided to a colonial council, also appointed by 
the crown, who were to carry out such royal 
instructions and ordinances as might from titne 

* It may not be amiss to state that the whole const, 
southern as well as northern, was then designated as 
New England. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. G3 

to time be promulgated. With a littleness char- 
acteristic of that jealous and bigoted monarch, 
King James further insisted upon a proviso that 
at least an hundred miles should intervene be- 
tween their respective settlements. 

Nearly a year was spent in gathering colonists 
and in providing three vessels for the expedition. 
In these days of leviathan proportions, an incre- 
dulous smile may be excited by the statement 
that, of the craft employed, one was a ship of 
one hundred tons; another of forty, and a third 
(pinnace) of twenty. "The transportation of 
the company was committed to Captain Chris- 
topher Newport, a Marriner well practised for 
Westerne parts of America. But their orders 
for government were put in a box, not to be 
opened, nor the governours known, untill they 
arrived in Virginia."* 

On the 19th of December, 1606, all things 
being in readiness, the anchors were weighed, the 
sails spread, and many eyes turned towards Eng- 
land, gazing on "the white cliffs of Albion" (as 
their owners thought) for the last time; but the 
elements were against them; for six weeks they 
were baffled by contrary winds, which so far 
impeded their progress, that they were on the 

* The absurd " mysterious secrecy " with which Kir^ 
James sought to invest every thing that he took any part 
in, is sufficiently illustrated by this one ridiculous act. 
Had the individuals constituting the council been known 
previously to the sailing of the e.xpedition, no doubt much 
of the ill-feeling and dissension which occurred during the 
voyage, and which led to irreparable injury afterwards, 
mioht have been avoided. 



64 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

point of returning, when a favoring breeze sprung 
up, and the little fleet, big v/ith the future great- 
ness of America, speeded on its destination. — 
Partly because they knew of no better, and 
partly because others had "gone that way before 
them," they took the circuitous route via. the 
Canary islands, where they stopped for the pur- 
pose of watering, and turning an honest penny 
in trade with the natives. 

While "Young America"* was yet weather- 
bound on the English coast, frequent dissensions 
occurred among the leaders, which were the 
source of much trouble and bitterness. The 
Rev. Mr. Hunt, although suffering severely 
from sickness, interposed his friendly offices 
occasionally, and endeavored to reconcile the 
discontented; but his services, so far from 
being properly appreciated, gave rise to "the 
most scandalous imputations" from those of the 
"greatest ranke," who were "little better than 
atheists." Smith not only contended manfully 
for his own rights, but also became a champion 
for the reverned gentleman — a course which 
operated unfavorably for his personal advantage, 
for a time at least. 

When arrived at the Canaries, the discordant 

* A portion of those embarked in thic expedition, who 
constituted the early settlers of Virginia, were far better 
entitled to this appellation, than the selfish and aspiring 
knot of political demagogues to whom modern usage has 
applied it, or than the whole "length and bre.adth of our 
domain, reaching from the Atlantic to the Specific ocean," 
as Davy Crockett was wont ckissically to express it. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 65 

elements, which had been so long partially smoth- 
ered, burst out into an almost uncontrollable 
flame. Smith was accused by Wingfield and 
others of the most unreasonable plots of treason 
— of meditating the massacre of the principal 
colonists — and "divers other foule and bloudy 
conclusions," which had no other foundations 
than in their own vile and envious conceits, al- 
though they pretended that their charges could 
be substantiated by the testimony of some who 
had agreed to assist Smith in his alleged designs. 
He was made a prisoner at once, and held in 
durance during the remainder of the voyage. 

Making but a short stay at the Canaries, they 
next steered for the West Indies, where three 
weeks were spent in refreshing themselves, and 
in bartering beads and baubles for native pro- 
ductions. While tarrying in these pleasant 
regions, some of the voyageurs visited "Gward- 
alupa," and were not a little astonished by the 
discovery of " a bath so hot, that in it they boyled 
porck as well as over a fire." The lovers of 
gamej too, must have had a glorious feast ; for 
we are told that " at a little isle called Monica, 
we took from the bushes with our hands neare 
two hogsheads full of birds in three or foure 
houres." But this was not their only feast : in 
the Virgin and other isles they also " spent some 
time, where with a lothsome beast like a croco- 
dile, called a gwayn, tortoises, pellicans, parrots, 
and fishes," they "daily feasted." 

Being thoroughly refitted, and all hands ma- 
teriallv refreshed, the expedition proceeded for 
6* 



66 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

its final destination. By some untoward means 
they got off the track, and were "not a little dis- 
comforted, seeing the Marriners had three dayes 
passed their reckoning and fomid no land; so 
that Captaine Ratcliffe (captaine of the pin- 
nace) rather desired to beare up the helme to 
returne for England, than make further search." 
But fortunately the other captains were not so 
easily disheartened, or, if they were, they had 
hardly time to make it manifest; for a sudden 
and severe storm coming up, they were compelled 
" to hull all night," during which time they were 
driven "to their desired port, beyond all their 
expectations."* 

The first land they made, which was on the 
26th of April, 1607, they called Cape Henry, 
where (having entered Chesapeake Bay) thirty 
of them, while enjoying a visit on shore, were 
assaulted by the savages, who hurt two of them 
very dangerously. f That night the box was 
opened, and the orders read, in which Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold, John Smith, Edward-Maria Wing- 
field, Christopher Newport, John Ratcliffe, John 
Martin, and George Kendall were named to be 
the council, and to choose a president among 

* The old chronicler is here a " little out in his reckon- 
ing " also : Roanoke was their " desired port," but fortu- 
nately the storm carried them to a much better place. 

t One of the first incidents that attracted the attention 
of those who landed, was the sight of some s.ivages, 
"creeping on all foures from the hils like Beares ;" and 
although they took to their heels on hearing the reports of 
the English muskets, the abrupt interview was not likely 
to make a very favorable impression upon either party. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 67 

them for a year, who with the council should 
govern. Matters of moment were to be exam- 
ined by a jury, but determined by the council, 
in which the president had two voices. 

From the day of their arrival until the 13th of 
May, the time was principally occupied in seek- 
ing out a suitable location for their settlement. 
This was of course a matter of no small anxiety, 
and that anxiety was not lessened by the hostile 
demonstrations which had already been made 
by the Indians. While "prospecting" the shores 
of Chesapeake Bay, they came to anchor near 
the northern point at its entrance, upon which 
they bestowed the name of "Point Comfort," on 
account of the comfort experienced from its 
good anchorage. Here a large party went on 
shore, and met with five natives, who were at 
first inclined to flee from them ; but when they 
saw the captain place his hand on his heart, they 
ventured to approach, and invited him to visit 
their town (Kecoughtan). None of the party 
had reason to regret this visit: they were hospi- 
tably received by the whole tribe, who expressed 
their welcome by a dance, and liberally supplied 
them with corn-bread, tobacco and pipes, and 
such other commodities as were at their disposal. 
Four days afterwards, they were kindly enter- 
tained by the chief of the Pashiphay tribe, and 
received an invitation from the chief of the 
Rappahannas to come and visit him. He sent 
them a messenger to guide them to his habitation, 
and stood on the banks of the river to meet them 
as they landed, "with all his train," (says the 



68 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

writer,) "as goodly men as any I have seen of 
savages or Christians — the werowance [or chief] 
coming before them, playing on a flute made of 
a reed, with a crown of deer's hair, colored red, 
in fashion of a rose, fastened about his knot of 
hair, and a great plate of copper on the other 
side of his head, with two long feathers in fash- 
ion of a pair of horns placed in the midst of his 
crown. His body was painted all with crimson, 
with a chain of beads about his neck; his face 
painted blue, besprinkled with silver ore, as we 
thought ; his ears all behung with bracelets of 
pearl, and in either ear, a bird's claw through it, 
beset with fine copper or gold. He entertained 
us in so modest a proud fashion, as though he 
had been a prince of civil government, holding 
his countenance without laughter or any such 
ill behavior. He caused his mat to be spread 
on the ground, where he sat down with a great 
majesty, taking a pipe of tobacco, the rest of 
his company standing about him. After he had 
rested awhile, he rose, and made signs to us to 
come to his town. He went foremost, and all 
the rest of his people and ourselves followed him 
up a steep hill, where his place was settled. We 
passed through the woods in fine paths, having 
most pleasant springs which issued from the 
mountains. We also went through the good- 
liest cornfields that ever were seen in any coun- 
try. When we came to Rappahanna town, he 
entertained us in good humanity."* 

* For a sketch of the incidents which occurred while the 
settlers were seeking a spot adapted to their purpose, the 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 69 

Further up the river, on the 8th of May, they 
were met by a large body of Indians, of the 
tribe of Apamatica, armed "with bows and ar- 
rows in a most warlike manner, with the swords 
at their backs beset with sharp stones and pieces 
of iron, able to cleave a man in sunder;" but 
their signs of peace being comprehended, they 
were not molested. 

After sailing up James River about forty 
miles, passing "through excellent ground, full of 
flowers of divers kindes and colors," they took 
possession of a peninsula on the northern bank, 
which was fixed upon as the most eligible site 
for their projected town, and in honor of the 
king it was called Jamestown. All were in ec- 
stacies with the surrounding country, and at first 
lavished their praises upon it without stint. — 
Smith thought that "Heaven and earth seemed 
never to have agreed better to frame a place 
for man's commodious and delightful habitation." 
The water, too, came in for its equal share of 
admiration; and it was regarded as a matter of 
no small consequence to their chosen locality 
"that their ship could be in six fathoms of water, 
and be moored to the trees on the land." 

world is indebted to "Mr. George Percy, of the ancient 
family of the Percies, so renowned in story, and brother to 
the earl of Northumberland." He is said to have been a 
gentleman of great honor, courage, and industry; and 
seems to have accompanied the expedition merely as a 
volunteer, bearing "no post or office of government, which 
might perhaps have proceeded from the cloud under which 
his brother the earl then lay " — he being imprisoned in the 
Tower on a charge of treason. 



70 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 



CHAPTER "VI. 

The Council sworn, and Smith excluded — Wing-field elected 
President — Maarnanimity of Smith— Remarks on the Posi- 
tion and Character of the Colonists — Busy Scenes of clearing- 
away the Forest, devising- a Port, and building- Habitations 
— Smith's Surveying- Expedition — Number of Tribes ascer- 
tained — Courteous Reception by Powhatan — Jamestown at- 
tacked, and the Enemy repulsed. 

The next business in order was the swearing 
in of the council and the election of a president. 
Wingfield was chosen to preside, and "an oration 
was made," setting forth divers reasons why- 
Smith should not be sworn in with the others. 
What those reasons were, is not now satisfac- 
torily known; but it was probably urged that he 
was still under the charges which had been pre- 
ferred against him, and of course not eligible to 
a seat. However unjust and illegal the conduct 
of the majority may have been, Smith seems to 
have acquiesced in their proceedings; which in 
fact afforded him an excellent opportunity of 
exhibiting his superiority over those who were 
endeavoring to injure him. Instead of retali- 
ating upon his enemies, or withholding that effi- 
cient aid which he was so capable of affording, 
he unhesitatingly put forth his best abilities in 
the service of the colony. 

Of the auspices under which the colony 
coinmenced, the writer once heard the Rev. 
Mr. Hale, of Worcester give a very happy 
illustration, while urging upon his hearers the 



CAPTAIX JOHN SMITH. 71 

obligation of each member of a community to 
discharge his or her share of the general bm'dens. 
"Here were now gathered," said he, "a set of 
colonists amply sufficient for what they had to 
do. Climate, not severe; soil, rich; natives, at 
the outset, not unfriendly. These men were 
'sent out by a company who bore the charge of 
their expedition. They had two things to do : 
First, to make themselves comfortable in their 
new home; second, to make some return to those 
who sent them there. — Now, of that body only 
a small minority did any thing at all. The rest 
had to eat; but, still, they would not till the 
ground. They had to treat with the Indians, 
but, still, they would not go to see them — they 
left it to a small minority of working-men to 
care for these things. And one man, the cele- 
brated Captain Smith, did care for them, and so 
saved them all. He put heart into the workers, 
and showed them how to work; he dealt with 
the savages, and inspired .them with fear. At 
the risk of his own life, he made the treaties, 
and obtained the stores from them which saved 
the infant colony. He was foi'eman, general, 
ambassador and governor-in-chief of the farms 
and of the buildings — and they compelled him 
to be. Whenever he left them, they left work, 
quarreled, and starved. When he came back 
from an absence, he always found the whole 
colony at swords' points, and all its work at a 
stand; and so he saved them — in spite of them- 
selves, from themselves — till, overworked and 
broken down, he had to retire to England, their 



72 lilFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

old home. — Now, in that true history, we say, 
without hesitation, that those shiftless colonists 
were false traitors : they were false to themselves, 
and false to the company who sent them ; espe- 
cially were they false to the great man whose 
life they took by inches, in heaping on him all 
this varied duty. — And we do not change that 
judgment even if it appear that they had never 
made a precise contract to do any one of the 
things which he did. We need not prove that 
each of them had promised, before hand, to 
render the precise service in which he failed. 
The law of strict justice says ' He has taken the 
stores and opportunities which the company pro- 
vided;' he has assumed the benefit also of the relief 
which this great commander has afforded; he is 
bound, then, to do his part to make the company a 
recompense, and to help the others round him to 
live. Else is he false, under the general princi- 
ples of justice, to the company; under the same 
pi'inciple is he false to the leader whom he leaves 
alone to serve him ; and so, under the same prin- 
ciple, is he false to himself." 

At first, it being a novelty with many of the 
settlers, every man set to work, and contributed 
something towards accomplishing the purpose 
which all had in view. Trees were felled, the 
grounds were cleared, and materials for building 
were obtained by slow degrees. A fort was 
contrived by the council, but it was neai'ly value- 
less; for Wingfield's ridiculous obstinacy would 
not allow it to be palisadoed or mounted with 
ordinance; and therefore it was little more than 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 73 

the boughs of trees, thrown together in a semi- 
circular form. Some were employed in making 
gardens and nets, some in getting clapboards to 
relade the ships, and some in providing other 
necessaries and conveniences. 

While matters were thus progressing on land, 
Smith was braving dangers and difficulties on the 
water. In company with Newport and twelve 
men, he embarked on a voyage of survey up the 
James River, which was of great and immediate 
importance. He ascertained that of " forty-three 
native tribes, dwelling between the mountains 
and the sea, about thirty, numbering eight thou- 
sand souls, were under the rule of a powerful 
chieftain, named Wahunsonacock, but w^iose 
customary title (derived, like that of a European 
grandee, from his principal residence) was Pow^- 
hatan. The names of Tuscaloosa, Quigaltan- 
qui, and those of many other native American 
chiefs, identical with their towns or principalities, 
indicate the prevalence of the usage. His re- 
sidence of Powhatan was at the Falls of James 
River, at the site of the present city of Rich- 
mond, and that of Werowocomoco on the north 
side of York River. Ascending the first-named 
stream, after a voyage of six days, the explorers 
came to the Falls, where they were courteously 
received by the great chief just mentioned."* 

On returning to Jamestown, Smith and his 

surveying pai'ty soon learned that the place had 

been unexpectedly attacked by the Indians, who 

wounded seventeen men and killed one boy. — 

* People's Book of History. 



74 LIFE AND ADVENTUKES OF 

Durino" the struggle, a cross-bar shot from one 
of the ships happened to strike off a large bough 
from a tree, which so frightened the assailants, 
that they made a precipitate retreat. But for 
this circumstance, the English would probably 
have been extirpated, as they were securely at 
work, and their arms in dry vats. After this, 
the president permitted the fort to be palisadoed, 
the ordinance to be mounted, and the men to 
be armed and exercised; for many and sudden 
wei'e the assaults and ambuscades of the Indians; 
and the English, by their disorderly straggling, 
were often hurt, while they, by the nimbleness 
of their heels, escaped." 



CHAPTER VII. 

Smith demands a Trial : Honorable Results — Newport sails 
for Eng-land — Scarcity of Provisions, and Sickness — Injus- 
tice of Wingfield, who is deposed, and RatclifFe elected in 
his place — Smith's Diligence in providing for the Settlers : 
His Explorations and Discoveries — Conspiracy of Wingfield 
and Kendall defeated — Encounter with Opechancanough — 
Exploits and Capture of Smith : his Remarkable Adventures 
among the Savages : their Wonder excited by his Feats of 
" Sorcery " — Jamestown saved through his Eiforts — The 
Indian's Idea of Gunpowder — Powhatan dooms Smith to 
Death — Pocahontas saves his Life — Curious Attempt to 
Frighten Smith : his Return to Jamestown. 

"Although Captain Newport was named of 
the council, yet was he only hired for their 
transportation, and was to return with the ships. 
The time of his departure approaching. Captain 
Smith's enemies pretended, out of tenderness 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



75 



and compassion to him, to refer him to the 
council in England, to receive a reprimand, 
rather than by pushing on their accusation, to 
endanger his life, or utterly destroy his reputation. 
But he, being a man of high spirit, and conscious 
of his innocence, scorned their charity and de- 
fied their malice; and behaved himself in the 
whole affair with such clearness and prudence, 
that all the company perceived his integrity, and 
their envy and injustice. Insisting therefore 
upon his trial, the persons suborned to accuse 
him, accused their suborners; and although 
many falsehoods were alleged against him, yet 
were they all so plainly disproved, that it raised 
a general resentment in the hearts of the audi- 
ence against such unjust commanders, and the 
president was condemned to pay him two hun- 
dred pounds, in reparation of the injury. In 
consequence hereof, all the president's effects 
were seized in part of satisfaction; but Smith 
generously presented them to the public store 
for the use of the colony. Soon after, their 
heats and animosities were appeased by the good 
doctrine and exhortations of Mr. Hunt, who 
procured Captain Smith to be admitted of the 
council ; and the next day, they all received the 
communion, in confirmation of their peace and 
concord. The day after, being the 15th of June, 
1607, the Indians voluntarily sued for peace, and 
Captain Newport set sail for England, leaving 
an hundred persons behind him in Virginia. 

"The colony being now left to their fortunes, 
fell into such a violent sickness, that within ten 



76 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

days scarce ten among them could either go or 
§tand. This was chiefly owing to the difference 
of their diet. For whilst the ships staid, either 
by w^ay of traffic, or for money, or love, they got 
a daily proportion of biscuit and other provisions 
from the sailors, who always abounded even to 
luxury and profusion. But now they were all 
reduced to the common kettle; which contained 
the allowance of half a pint of wheat, and as 
much barley, boiled with water, for a man a day. 
And this, having funked for six and twenty 
weeks in the ship's hold, contained nothing sub- 
stantial, being only bran, with as many worms 
as grains. The council in England, but espe- 
cially Sir Thomas Smith, their treasurer, were 
justly charged with much cruelty and inhumanity 
for these scanty and ill-conditioned provisions ; 
which management, however, continued, more 
or less,, the whole time of that gentleman's ad- 
ministration of the affairs of the company and 
colony. This unwholesome food, together with 
their continual toil and labor in the extremity of 
the heat, carried off fifty of the company by 
September ; in which number was Captain Gos- 
nold, the first mover and projector of the whole 
business. The rest that survived by the care 
of Captain Smith, and the skill and diligence of 
Mr, Thomas Wotton, their surgeon-general, 
subsisted on crabs and sturgeon till September. 
"But the president, all this while, had felt nei- 
ther w^ant nor sickness. For he had embezzled 
the public oatmeal, sack, aquse vitee, beef, and 
eggs, and had lived in great plenty and elegance. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 77 

Soon after, having projected an escape to Eng- 
land in tile baric, it raised such indignation in 
the rest, that they deposed him, and elected 
Captain John Ratcliffe in his room. Kendall 
was likewise at the same time disgraced, and re- 
moved from the council, for being concerned in 
these male-practices of the president. And now, 
when all their provisions were spent, the sturgeon 
gone, and no prospect of relief from any quarter 
left, God wrought so wonderful a change in the 
hearts of the Indians, that they brought such 
plenty of their fruits and provisions, as no man 
wanted. 

" Newport was gone, Gosnold dead, and Wing- 
field and Kendall in disgrace ; neither were their 
places supplied by the election of any others, 
according to the authority given. So that the 
whole government and power of the council now 
rested in the new president, Martin, and Smith. 
But the president and Martin, being little es- 
teemed or beloved, of weak judgment in dangers, 
and less industry in peace, at first very candidly 
and wisely permitted every thing to Smith's 
management, who w^as peculiarly fitted for con- 
ducting such an enterprise, by a good judgment, 
undaunted courage, and an invincible industry 
and resolution. He immediately set about the 
building of Jamestown; and by good words, fair 
promises, and his own example (himself always 
bearing the gi'eatest share of the labor and fa- 
tigue) he pusned on the work with such vigor 
and diligence, that he had, in a short time, pro- 
vided most of them with lodgings, neglecting 



78 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

any for himself. After which, finding the Au- 
turiin superfluity of the savages begin to decrease, 
he resolved to search the country for trade. 
The want of the language and a sufficient power, 
with clothing for his men and other necessaries, 
were infinite impediments to this design, but no 
discouragement to his bold and adventurous 
spirit. For with five or six more, he went down 
the river in a shallop, to Kicquotan ; where at 
first they scorned them, as poor famished crea- 
tui^es, and would offer, in derision, a handful of 
corn, or a piece of bread, for their swords, mus- 
kets, or clothes. But Smith, finding that nothing 
was to be had by trade and courtesy, ventured 
to exceed his commission, and entered upon such 
measures as necessity and the exigency of his 
case required. And therefore, having discharged 
his muskets among them, he ran his boat ashore; 
at which the Indians all fled into the woods. 
Then marching up to their houses, they saw 
great heaps of corn. But Smith with much ado 
restrained his hungry soldiers from immediately 
seizing it; expecting the savages would return 
to assault them, as it soon after happened. For 
sixty or seventy of them, some painted black, 
some red, some white, and some party-colored, 
issued out of the woods, singing and dancing, 
and making a most hideous noise, with their 
Okee borne before them. This was an idol made 
of skins, stuffed with moss, and all painted and 
hung with chains and copper. For there was 
no place in Virginia found so barbarous and void 
of humanity, in which they had not a relioion. 



CAFTAIX JOHN riMITH. 79 

deer, bows, and arrows. In this savage manner, 
being armed with clubs, targets, bows, and ar- 
rows, they charged the English, who received 
them so warmly with a second volley of muskets, 
loaded with pistol shot, that down fell their god, 
and several of them lay sprawling on the ground. 
The rest fled again into the woods, and soon 
after sent one of their priests to redeem their 
god and offer peace. Smith told him, if only six 
w'ould come unarmed, and load his boat with 
corn, he would not only restore their Okee, but 
would be their friend, and give them beads, cop- 
per, and hatchets besides; which was agreed 
to, and performed to the satisfaction of both 
parties. And then they brought him venison, 
turkies, wild fowl, bread, and whatever else 
they had, singing and dancing in sign of friend- 
ship, till he departed. And on his return up the 
river, he discovered the town and country of 
Warrasqueake. 

"After his return to Jamestown, he made 
several journies by land, and discovered the 
people of Chickahominy. In one of these. Wing- 
field and Kendall, seeing all things at random in 
Smith's absence, and the company's scorn of the 
president's weakness and Mai'tin's never-mend- 
ing sickness, took advantage of the occasion, 
and combined with the sailors and others to re- 
gain their former authority, or at least to seize 
the bark which Smith had fitted for a trading 
voyage, and in her to escape and go for England. 
But Smith returning unexpectedly, with much 
difBculty prevented their design. For he was 



80 LIFE A.vn ADVENTURES OF 

obliged to turn tlie cannon of the fort upon them, 
and so force them to stay or sink in the river ; 
which action cost the hfe of Captain Kendall. 
And not long after their new president, Ratcliffe, 
and Captain Gabi'iel Archer intended to aban- 
don the country ; but their project was likewise 
restrained and suppressed by Smith. The Span- 
iards were never more greedy of gold, than he 
was of provisions; neither did the rest desire 
more eagerly to abandon the country, than he to 
keep it. And therefore, having found plenty of 
corn up the River Chickahominy, he went a 
trading voyage thither, and was received by 
hundreds of Indians, who stood in divers places 
with baskets, expecting his coming. And now 
the winter likewise coming on, the rivers were 
so covered with swans, geese, and ducks, that 
they daily feasted with good bread, Virginia 
pease, pumpions, and passimmons, and with fish, 
fowl, and divers sorts of wild beasts, as fat as 
they could well eat them. So that none of their 
humoursome and tuftaffety sparks (as Smith 
calls them) were any longer discontented, or 
desirous to go to England. 

"But Captain Smith's activity and industry, 
in discovering the country, and providing for 
the colony, could not screen him from the vain 
exceptions and murmurs of many idlers at James- 
town. He was censured by some, and even 
taxed by the council, of being too remiss and 
negligent in discovering the head of Chickahom- 
iny river. And therefore soon after, with much 
labor in cutting away trees and clearing a pass- 



CArTAtN JOHN SMITH. 81 

age, he went up as far as his barge could pass; 
and then leaving her in a broad bay, beyond 
the reach of the Indians' shot, he himself, with 
two English more, and two Indians, proceeded 
higher up in a canoe. When he left the barge, 
he ordered that none should go ashore till his 
return. But he was not long gone, before his 
disorderly and ungovernable crew disobeyed this 
command, and thereby gave the Indians an op- 
portunity of surprising one George Cassen ; and 
indeed narrowly escaped being all cut off to a 
man. For Opechancanough, brother to Pow- 
hatan, and king of Pamunkey, a subtle and sav- 
age barbarian, was there with three hundred 
bowmen. And after having extorted from Cas- 
sen which way his captain was gone, he put him 
to death in a most cruel and barbarous manner, 
and then went in pursuit of Smith. 

"Captain Smith had got up twenty miles 
higher, among the swamps and marshes at the 
head of the river; and leaving the canoe to the 
care of Robinson and Emry, his two men, he 
himself was gone to kill some provisions. Ope- 
chancanough first happened on the two men, 
asleep, as it was supposed, by the fire; and 
shooting them full of arrows, slew them. And 
then they traced the captain; who, finding him- 
self beset, bound an Indian, whom he had for 
his guide, to his arm for a buckler, and received 
their attack so smartly with his fire-arms, that 
he soon laid three dead upon the spot, and so 
wounded and galled divers others, that none of 
them cared to approach him. He himself re- 



82 



LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 



ceived a slight wound in the thigh, and had 
many arrows sticking in his clothes, but without 
any great hurt. Having the Indians thus at bay, 
he endeavored to sheer off to his canoe; but re- 
garding them, as he went, more than his way, he 
suddenly slipped up to his middle into an oozy 
creek. Although he was thus hampered, yet 
none of them durst come near him, till, being al- 
most dead with cold, he threw away his arms 
and surrendered. Then drawing him out, they 
carried him to the fire where his men were slain, 
and carefully chafed his benumbed limbs. For 
this winter, 1607, was extremely cold in Virginia, 
as it was likewise remarkable for an extraordi- 
nary frost in Europe. 

" Whien Smith was a little recovered, he asked 
for their captain, and being shown Opechan- 
canough, he presented him with a round ivory 
double compass dial. They wondered greatly 
at the playing of the fly and needle, which they 
could see so plainly, and yet not touch, because 
of the glass that covered them. But when he 
explained by it the roundness of the earth, the 
skies, the sphere of the sun, moon, and stars, 
with other surprising and unheard-of doctrines 
to them, they all stood amazed. Yet within an 
hour after, they tied him to a tree, and drew up 
in order to shoot him. But the king holding up 
the compass in his hand, they all laid down their 
arms at once. And then, with much triumph, 
and in martial order, they conducted him to 
Orapakes, which was a hunting town and seat, 
lying on the upper part of Chickahominy swamp. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



83 



on the north side, belonging to, and much fre- 
quented by, Powhatan and the imperial family, 
on account of the abundance of game it afforded. 
In their march, they drew themselves all up in 
file; and Opechancanough being in the midst, 
had the English swords and muskets carried be- 
fore him. Captain Smith came next, led by 
three great savages, holding him fast by each 
arm; and on either side went six in file, with 
their arrows notched. When they arrived at 
the town, the women and children stood staring 
at a human creature, so unlike whatever they 
had before seen ; and the soldiers that had taken 
him, performed their military exercise, throwing 
themselves with great dexterity into their war- 
dance, with strange distortions and antic pos- 
tures, singing and yelUng out frightful and in- 
harmonious notes and screeches. But they 
treated Smith here very kindly, and feasted him 
with that formality and abundance, that he sus- 
pected they intended to fatten and to eat him. 
In the midst of these melancholy thoughts and 
surmises, one of them, in return for some beads 
and toys, which Smith had given him at his first 
arrival, brought him his gown; which was of 
singular service to him, and a very seasonable 
defence against the excessive coldness of the 
season. 

"But whilst his mind was thus taken up with 
imaginary deaths, he had like to have met a real 
one. For a man came violently upon him, and 
would have slain him for the death of his son, 
had he not been prevented by his guard. 



84 LIFE ASn ADV t:\TURE3 OF 

Whether this was one of those that were 
wounded when Smith was taken prisoner, or 
whether he was dying a natural death, which 
they, through ignorance and superstition, attrib- 
uted to some sorcery in Smith, is not easy to be 
determined. However, they carried him to re- 
cover the poor man, breathing out his last. 
Smith told them he had a water at Jamestown 
that would do it, if they would let him fetch it. 
But they had more sense than to permit that, or 
to trust him out of their hands. 

" They were now making the greatest prepar- 
ations they could to assault Jamestown. To 
this end they desired Smith's advice and assist- 
ance; and, as a reward, promised him life, liberty, 
land, and women. But he represented to them 
the extreme danger and difficulty of the attempt; 
and described the springing of mines, great guns, 
and other warlike engines, in such a manner, as 
exceedingly frightened and amazed them. And 
then he persuaded some of them to go to James- 
town, under pretence of fetching some toys; 
and in part of a table-book, he informed them at 
the fort what was intended, and directed them 
how to behave and affi'ight the messengers, and 
without fail to send him such things as he wrote 
for. Within three days, the messengei's returned, 
through as bitter weather as could be, for frost 
and snow; and were greatly astonished them- 
selves, as well as all that heard it, how Smith 
could divine, or the paper speak. For all things 
were delivered them, and had happened at James- 
town, according as he foretold. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 85 

"All thoughts of an attack upon Jamestown 
being therefore laid aside, they led Smith in show 
and triumph about the country. And first they 
carried him to those that dwelt on Youghtanund, 
or, as it is now called, Pamunkey river. For the 
main river, which is since named York river, 
was then called Pamunkey ; although the coun- 
try of Pamunkey, over which Opechancanough 
was king, lay in the fork of the river, and his 
chief seat was nearly where the Pamunkey town 
now is. From the Youghtanunds they led him 
to the Mattaponies, the Piankatanks, the Nan- 
taughtacunds, on Rappahanock, and the Nomi- 
nies, on Patowmack river. And having passed 
him over all those rivers, they brought him back, 
through several other nations, to Opechancan- 
ough's habitation at Pamunkey; where, with 
frightful bowlings, and many strange and hellish 
ceremonies, they conjured him three days, to 
know, as they told him, whether he intended 
thein well or ill. After this, they brought him a 
bag of gunpowder, which they judged to be a 
grain, springing out of the earth as other grains 
did; and therefore they carefully preserved it, 
intending to plant it the next spring, as they did 
their corn. And then he was invited, and feasted 
in a sumptuous manner, by Opitchapan, second 
brother to Powhatan, and next heir to all his 
dominions. But here, as in all other places, none 
of them would touch a morsel with him ; although 
they would feast very merrily upon what he left. 
At last they conducted him to Werowocomoco, 
where Powhatan the emperor was. He lived in 
8 



86 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

great barbaric state and magnificence, and 
usually had about his person forty or fifty of the 
tallest men his country afforded; which guard 
was, after this time, increased to two hundred, 
on account of the English. Every night, upon 
the four corners of his house were placed 
four sentinels, each a slight shot from the other ; 
and every half hour, one from the main guard 
hollowed, shaking his finger between his lips, 
and every sentinel was obliged to answer from 
his stand. If any failed, an officer was immedi- 
ately sent, who beat him extremely. At all his 
ancient inheritances, he had houses, some of 
them thirty or forty yards long; and at every 
house, provision for his entertainment, according 
to the season. He kept as many women as he 
pleased; and when he laid down, one sat at his 
head, and another at his feet; but when he was 
up, one sat on his right hand, and another on his 
left; and as he was weary of them, he bestowed 
them on such of his servants as had most pleased 
him, or best deserved them at his hands. 

"Although both himself and people were very 
barbarous, and void of all letters and civility, 
yet was there such a government among them, 
that the magistrates for good command, and the 
people for due subjection, excelled many places 
that would be counted very civil. He had un- 
der him above thirty inferior kings or wero- 
wances, who had power of life and death, but 
were bound to govern according to the customs 
of their country. However, his will was, ih all 
cases, their supreme law, and must be obeyed. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 87, 

They all knew their several lands, habitations, 
and limits to fish, fowl, or hunt in. But they 
held all of their great werowance [chief or king] 
Powhatan; to whom they paid tribute "of skins, 
beads, copper, pearl, deer, turkies, wild beasts, 
and corn. All his subjects reverenced him, not 
only as a king, but as half a god; and it was 
curious to behold with what fear and adoration 
they obeyed him; for at his feet they presented 
whatever he commanded ; and a frown of his 
brow would make their greatest spirits tremble; 
find indeed it was no wonder; for he was very 
terrible and tyrannous in punishing such as of- 
fended him, with variety of cruelty and the most 
exquisite torture. 

"When Smith was presented to him, he was 
about sixty years of age, something hoary, and 
of a savage majesty and grandeur. He sat be- 
fore a fire upon a wooden throne, like a bedstead, 
clothed with a great robe of racoon skins, and 
with a coronet of feathers about his head. On 
either hand, sat a young wench, of about sixteen 
or eighteen years of age; and along each side of 
the house, a row of men, and behind them as 
many women, painted and adorned in their best 
manner. When Smith entered, all the people 
gave a shout; and the queen ot Appamattox 
was appointed to bring him water to wash his 
hands, and another brought a bunch of feathers, 
instead of a towel, to dry them. After that, 
having feasted him in their best manner, a long 
consultation was held ; at the conclusion of 
which, two great stones were brought before 



88 LIFE AND ADVENTUPvEa OP 

Powhatan, and Smith was dragged to them, and 
his head laid thereon, in order to have his brains 
beat out with clubs; but Pocahontas, the king's 
darling daughter, when no entreaty could pre- 
vail, got his head into her arms, and laid her 
own upon it to save his life. Whereupon Pow- 
hatan was persuaded to let him live, to make 
himself hatchets, and her bells, beads, and cop- 
per; for the king himself would make his own 
robes, shoes, bows, arrows, and pots ; and would 
hunt, plant, and do every thing else like the rest; 
and therefore they thought him of all occupations, 
as well as themselves; and besides this surprising 
tenderness and affection of Pocahontas, who 
was at that time about twelve or thirteen years 
of age, Captain Smith received many services 
from Nantaquaus, the emperor's son. He was 
a youth of the comeliest and most manly person, 
and of the highest spirit and courage, of any in 
the court of Powhatan ; and he embraced Smith's 
interest with much warmth and heartiness, and 
did him many acts of friendship and kindness. 

"Two days after, Powhatan having disguised 
himself in the most frightful manner he could, 
caused Captain Smith to be carried to a great 
house in the woods, and there to be left alone 
on a mat by the fire. Not long after, from be- 
hind a mat, which divided the house, was made 
the most doleful noise he had ever heard; and 
then Powhatan, with about two hundred more, 
as frightful as himself, came to him and told him 
they were now friends, and he should immediately 
go to Jamestown, to send him two great guns 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 89 

and a grindstone ; for which he would give him 
the country of Capahowsick, and ever after es- 
teem him as his son Nantaquaus. Captain 
Smith put little confidence in his words, and ex- 
pected every minute, even till he got to James- 
town, to be put to one kind of death or other; 
but Powhatan sent him off immediately, with 
twelve guides; and having lodged that night in 
the woods, he arrived the next morning early at 
the fort."* 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Smith's Artifice — Another Revolt — Trade with the Indians — 
Arrival of Newport — Nelson's Escape from Shipwreck — 
Envy and Improvidence of Newport and his Company — 
Presents to Powhatan: his Cunning- Device for Trading: 
Circumvented by Smith's Blue Beads — Successful Trade 
with Opechancanough — Destructive Conflagration at James- 
town — Mismanagement of Supplies — " Sect of Gold-finders" 
— Wingfield and Archer sent to England — Arrival of Nelson 
— Insolence of the Indians punished. 

The seven weeks of captivity which Smith 
had passed among the savages, although of course 
irksome at the time, were of great ultimate ad- 
vantage, both to himself and to the colony, ena- 
bling him to gain a knowledge of the country 
and of the Indian dialect, which were very use- 
ful in subsequent transactions. After safely 
reaching Jamestown, "he used his guides with 
the utmost kindness; and showed Rawhunt, 
* Stith's History of Virojinia. 
8* 



90 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Powhatan's trust}^ servant, two demi-culverins 
and a mill-stone to carry to their master. Their 
weight was sufficient to deter them from the 
attempt; but when they saw him discharge them, 
loaded with stones, among the boughs of a great 
tree hung v^ith icicles, the terror of the report, 
and the rattling of the boughs and ice, so frighted 
the poor savages, that they ran away, half dead 
with fear; but having regained some conference 
with them, he gave them such toys for them- 
selves, and sent Powhatan, his women, and chil- 
dren, such presents as gave a general satisfaction. 
" At Jamestown every thing was in confusion, 
and the strongest were preparing once more to 
run away with the bark; but Smith, with the 
hazard of his life, forced her the third time, to 
stay or sink in the river; and the next day sev- 
eral combined with the president to put him to 
death by the Levitical law, for the lives of 
Robinson and Emry, whom, they said, he had 
led to their end', and was consequently the au- 
thor of their death. But he quickly took such 
order with those lawyers, that he 'laid them by 
the heels,' till he sent some of them prisoners to 
England. And then, by his relation of the 
plenty he had seen among the natives, especially 
at VVerowocomoco, and of the state and bounty 
of Powhatan, till then unknown, he very much 
appeased their fears, and revived their dead 
spirits; and Pocahontas, with her attendant?, 
every once in four or five days, brought him so 
much provision, as saved the lives of many, v.'ho 
must otherwise have perished with hunger. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 91 

Several others also of the natives repaired daily 
to the fort, with such provisions as sufficiently 
served them from hand to mouth. Part they 
always brought Smith, as presents from their 
kings or Pocahontas; and he, as their market- 
clerk, set the price upon the rest. So much had 
he astonished and enchanted those poor souls, 
whilst their prisoner, that they esteemed him as 
a demi-god, and were ready, at his beck, to do 
whatever he commanded; and the God who 
created all things, they knew, he adored as his 
God, and would, in their discourse, call him the 
God of Captain Smith. 

"And this their high opinion was much in- 
creased by the arrival of Captain Newport, 
whom Smith, among them, called his father, 
nearly about the time that he had foretold; for 
the treasurer and council in England sent two 
ships the latter end of this year, with a supply 
of provisions and an hundred and twenty men. 
These came well furnished with all things that 
could be imagined necessary, as Captain Smith 
tells us; but, however, we must always make 
some allowance in his account of these things; 
for he was a very great friend to Sir Thomas 
Smith; and we shall see hereafter, from several 
authentic papers, but especially from a repre- 
sentation of our general assembly, among the 
records in the capitol, that that officer was most 
scandalously negligent, if not corrupt, particu- 
larly in this matter of supplies. One of these 
ships was commanded by Captain Newport, the 
other by Captain Francis Nelson, an honest man 



92 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

and expert mariner; but such was the leward- 
ness of his ship, that although he was within 
sight of Cape Henry, yet by contrary winds and 
stormy weather, he was driven off the coast, and ' 
forced to the West Indies, to repair his masts, 
and to get a recruit of wood and water; but be- 
fore this, the pi'esident and council so much en- 
vied Smith's esteem among the natives, although 
they all equally participated of the good effects 
of it, that to raise their credit and authority 
above his, they would give them four times as 
much for their commodities as he had appointed; 
And now, out of joy for the arrival of this first 
supply, and to gratify the mariners, they gave 
them free liberty to trade as they pleased. So 
that in a short time, what was before bought for 
an ounce of copper, could not be had for a pound. 
To which Captain Newport's profuse presents to 
Powhatan were added, and gave the finishing 
blow to their trade. They served indeed to en- 
tertain and keep up the high idea of Newport's 
greatness which Smith had raised in Powhatan, 
and made him very desirous to see him. 

"Accordingly the bark was prepared, and a 
great coil there was at Jamestown to set him 
off. Captain Smith and Mr. Mathew Scrivener, 
a discreet and understanding gentleman, newly 
arrived and admitted of the council, attended 
him with a guard of thirty or forty chosen men. 
When they came to Werowocomoco, Newport 
began to entertain many fears and suspicions of 
treachery; but Smith, with twenty men, under- 
took to encounter the worst that could happen; 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 93 

and going ashore, was kindly conducted by two 
or three hundred Indians to the town. Powhatan 
strained himself upon this occasion, to the ut- 
most of his greatness to entertain them, with 
great shouts of joy, orations, and protestations, 
and with the most sumptuous and plentiful ban- 
quet he could provide. He sat on a bed of mats, 
with a pillow of leather embroidered with pearl 
and white beads; and was clothed in a robe of 
skins, as large as an Irish mantle. At his head 
and feet sat a handsome young woman; and on 
each side the house, twenty of his concubines, 
with their heads and shoulders painted red, and 
a great chain of white beads about each of their 
necks. Before them sat his chief men in the 
like order ; and above forty platters of fine bread 
stood in two files on each side of the door. Four 
or five hundred people attended as a guard ; and 
proclamation was made, that none, upon pain of 
death, should presume to do the English any 
wrong or discourtesy ; and thus did Smith and 
he spend the day, in a kind renewal of their 
former acquaintance, and in feasting and seeing 
them dance and sing, and play their other feats 
of humor and activity ; and that night, the 
English were quartered and lodged by Powhatan. 
"The next morning, Newport came ashore, 
and they spent three or four days more in feast- 
ing, and dancing, and trading. In all which 
time, Powhatan behaved himself with such lofti- 
ness and state, and yet with so much discretion, 
that they could not forbear admiring his natural 
parts and understanding. Scorning to trade as 



94 LIFK AND ADVENTURES OF 

his subjects did, he told Newport that he es- 
teemed him a great werowance, as well as him- 
self; that it was not agreeable to their dignity to 
trade in that pediing manner for trifles ; and that, 
therefore, if he would lay down all his commod- 
ities together, he would choose what he liked, and 
give him their value. Smith, who was their in- 
terpreter, and knew Powhatan's disposition, told 
the company his intent was only to cheat them; 
but Newport, thinking to out-brave this stately 
barbarian in ostentation and greatness, and by 
his bounty to obtain from him whatever he 
pleased, accepted the condition ; and then Pow- 
hatan, having taken what he liked, valued his 
corn at such a rate, that they had not four 
bushels for what they expected twenty hogs- 
heads. This bred some distaste between the 
two English captains; but Smith, smothering 
his dislike before the savages, glanced several 
trifles in the eyes of Powhatan, who soon fixed 
his fancy on some blue beads. He was a long 
time importunate to have them; but Smith val- 
ued them so much the higher, and told him they 
were composed of a rare substance of the color, 
of the skies, and were not to be worn by any but 
the greatest kings in the world. This made him 
the more eager and mad for them; so that for a 
pound or two of blue beads, he drew from him 
two or three hundred bushels of corn, and yet 
parted in good friendship. Upon this voyage, 
Newport gave Powhatan a boy named Thomas 
Savage, whom he called his son ; and Powhatan 
gave him Namontack, a servant of his, of a 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 95 

shrewd and subtle capacity," who afterwards 
visited England, and was murdered on the re- 
turn voyage at Bermudas. 

From Werowocomoco they went to Pamu'n- 
key, where they were feasted in like manner by 
Opechancanough. Smith fitted him also, at the 
same rates, with blue beads; which, by this 
means, grew into such estimation, that none 
durst wear them but their great kings, or their 
wives and children. At length, weighing from 
thence, they returned to Jamestown; where this 
new supply of corn being lodged with the rest, 
their storehouse was by some accident fired, and 
so the town, which, being thatched with reeds, 
burnt with that fierceness and violence, as soon 
consumed their wooden fortifications, with their 
arms, apparel, and bedding, and much private 
goods and provision. The good Mr. Hunt lost 
all his library, with every thing else that he had, 
except the clothes on his back; yet no one ever 
heard him murmur or repine at it. 

Notwithstanding this unfortunate accident, 
they had yet a tolerable stock of oatmeal, meal, 
and corn, had not the ship loitered fourteen 
weeks in the country, when she might as well 
have been gone in fourteen days ; for they there- 
by helped to consume a great part of the colony's 
store, and nearly all the provisions sent to be 
landed. When the}' departed, they left them 
what little they thought proper to spare; which 
they were glad to receive, and make up an ac- 
count, highly commending their care and provi- 
dence, lest they should discourage the council at 



96 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

home from sending any more. Yet those per- 
sons who had either money, spare clothes, credit 
for bills of exchange, gold rings, furs, or any such 
valuable commodities, w^ere alv^^ays w^elcome to 
this floating tavern. Such was their necessity 
and misfortune, to be under the lash of those vile 
commanders, and to buy their own provisions 
at fifteen times their value; suffering them to 
feast at their charge, whilst themselves were 
obliged to fast, and yet dare not repine, lest they 
should incur the censure of being factious and 
seditious persons. By these means and manage- 
ment, the colony was rather burdened than re- 
lieved, by the vast charge of this ship; and being 
reduced to meal and water, and exposed, by the 
loss of their town, to the most bitter cold and 
frost, above half of them died. Smith indeed 
and Scrivener endeavored to correct all abuses, 
and to put things into a better posture ; but they 
could do nothing to effect, being overpowered by 
the president and his party, who had long before 
this laid aside their deference to Smith's judg- 
ment and management. 

"About this time also (1608) there sprung up 
a very troublesome sect of gold-finders, which 
was headed by Captain Martin, and warmly 
embraced by Newport. There was no thought, 
no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig 
gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold; and 
notwithstanding Captain Smith's warm and ju- 
dicious representations, how absurd it was to 
neglect other things of immediate use and ne- 
cessity, to load such a drunken ship with gilded 



CAPTAIX JOHN SMITH. 97 

dust; yet was he over-ruled, and her returns 
made in a parcel of glittering dirt which is found 
in various parts of the country, and which they 
very sanguinely concluded to be gold dust; and 
in her they sent home Mr. WingHeld and Cap- 
tain Archer, to seek some better place of em- 
ployment in England; for they had assumed 
many empty titles of offices here, as admirals, 
recorders, chronologers, justices of the peace 
and of the courts of plea, with other such idle 
and insignificant pretensions. 

"And now Martin and the president, carrying 
all things as they pleased, by their faction, lived 
in great splendor by the sale of the store's com- 
modities, as if they had been their proper and 
hereditary revenue; and the spring approaching, 
Captain Smith and Mr. Scrivener prepared fields 
for corn, and applied themselves to rebuild 
Jamestown, and repair the church, store-house, 
and fortifications ; but whilst they were all busily 
engaged at their several labors, Captain Nelson, 
who had been driven off the coast, as was before 
said, and, as they all thought, lost, unexpectedly 
arrived to their great joy. He had been very 
cai'eful and provident, and had fed his company 
on what he got at the West India islands; so 
that the provisions he now landed, joined to their 
former store, were sufficient to support them half 
a year, according to their present allowance. 
He himself also freely imparted whatever he had ; 
and by his fair and generous behavior, he got 
the good word and love of the whole colony; 
and the president, to send some good news by 
9 



98 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

this ship, ordered Captain Smith, with sixty able 
men, to discover the country of the Monacan, 
or, as they were afterwards called, the Manakin 
Indians ; a nation above the falls of James river, 
not subject to Powhatan, but professed enemies 
to him and his dominions; for that strange blood- 
thirstiness, and, as it were, judicial infatuation, 
of warring against and exterminating each other, 
which at present infests our Indians, and has 
been the cause of the utter extirpation of most 
of the nations on this continent, was even then 
rooted in their nature, and may be observed in 
the oldest accounts that we have of them. How- 
ever, as it was the time of planting corn, and 
this ship was to be dispatched, Captain Smith 
thought those and other things more urgent at 
that time, and therefore deferred the discovery, 
till he could perform it with less charge and more 
leisure. 

"When Newport left the country, Powhatan 
presented him with twenty turkies, and in return 
demanded twenty swords, which were immedi- 
ately sent him. Afterwards he presented Cap- 
tain Smith with the like number; but having no 
swords in return, he was highly offended, and 
ordered his people to take them by stratagem or 
force. So that they became insufferably trou- 
blesome and insolent, would surprise the English 
at their work, and seize their swords at the very 
ports of Jamestown. The president and Martin, 
who now bore the sway, would keep their houses, 
or do any thing, rather than transgress a strict 
command from England, not to offend them ; but 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



99 



at length they happened to meddle with Captain 
Smith, who gave them a rough encounter, hunted 
them up and down the island, and seized seven, 
whom he whipped and imprisoned. By this and 
other smart proceedings, he brought them to 
submission; and they unanimously confessed 
that they acted by Powhatan's direction, in order 
to get swords from the English, to cut their own 
throats; and they likewise fully disclosed how, 
where, and when, this design was to be put in 
execution; all which was confirmed by many 
concurrent circumstances ; but Powhatan, finding 
that things went not according to his desire and 
intent, sent Pocahontas with presents to excuse 
himself for the injuries done by some of his un- 
governable captains; and he desired their liberty 
for this time, with assurances of his love and 
friendship for ever; and Smith, having given 
them a proper correction, delivered them to Po- 
cahontas; for whose sake alone he pretended to 
save their lives, and give them their liberty. 
Thus, wdthout the death of one man, he restrained 
their insolence, and brought them into such per- 
fect fear and obedience, that his very name was 
sufficient to fright them; whereas before they 
had sometimes peace and war twice in a day, 
and seldom a week passed without some treach- 
ery or ambuscade; but the peaceable council 
were highly offended at these proceedings, and 
expostulated warmly with him for his rashness 
and cruelty. 

" There had been a dispute between Martin 
and Smith, whether this ship should be laded 



100 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

with cedar or dirt; but her freight being con- 
cluded to be cedar, she was, by the diligence of 
her captain and Smith, quickly dispatched. In 
her Captain Martin, being always sickly and un- 
serviceable, and having his head full of the idle 
whimsy of a gold mine, was most willingly ad- 
mitted to return to England. In these two ships, 
besides Mr. Scrivener, came Walter Russel, 
doctor of physic, Richard Fetherstone, and some 
others of note; and whilst Nelson and Smith 
were engaged in loading the ship, Mr. Scrivener 
was neither idle nor slow in carrying on the 
works of Jamestown; but the president's prodi- 
gality and state went so deep, and was so sensi- 
bly felt in their small store, that he and Smith 
were obliged to bind him and his parasites to the 
rules of proportion."* 



CHAPTER IX, 

Departure of Nelson — Exploration of Chesapeake Bay — Visits 
to Various Indian Tribes — Discontent among the Crew — 
Discovery of the Potomac — Severe Accident to Smith from 
a Stingray — Return to Jamestown — RatcliiFe deposed, and 
Smith elected President — He appoints Scrivener his substi- 
tute — Another Exploring Expedition — the Massawomeks, 
Tockwoghs, Susquesahanocks, Rappahanocks, Maraughta- 
cunds, Mannahocks, and other Indian Tribes — Numerous 
Adventures and Narrow Escapes — Return to Jamestown. 

" On the 2d of June Captain Nelson fell down 
the river, and was accompanied to the capes by 
Smith, who, (in an open boat of about three tons 

* Stith's History of Virginia. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. IQI 

burthen, together with Dr. Russel and thirteen 
more,) was going to explore Chesapeake bay. 
Parting with the ship at Cape Henry, they stood 
over to those islands, which were then called, 
after him their first discoverer, Smith's islands. 
The first people they saw were two grim and 
stout Indians on Cape Charles, with long poles, 
like javelins, headed with bone. They sternly 
demanded what they were, and what they want- 
ed; but grew afterwards more kind, and directed 
them to Accomack, the habitation of their we- 
rowance. This king treated them very kindly, 
and was the comeliest, most proper and civil In- 
dian they had met with. The}' spoke the lan- 
guage of Powhatan, and at that time lay under 
the misfortune of a strange mortality, which they 
attributed to a miracle. Passing on from thence, 
they coasted it along, and searched every inlet 
and bay that seemed proper for harbors or hab- 
itations; and many harbors they found for small 
vessels, but none fit to receive large ships. 

"Running up the river, the natives at first 
threatened, with great fury, to assault them ; but 
at last became very tractable and kind. They 
dug in several places, and searched their habita- 
tions, yet could get but little water, and that 
mere puddle. Yet such was their distress two 
days after, that they would have refused a quart 
full of gold for a pint of that puddle. Departing 
from thence, they found on a high point of land, 
which they called Point Plover, a pond of fresh 
water, but so exceedingly hot, that they supposed 
it to be some bath. Then standing over to some 



102 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

other islands, there arose such another thunder- 
gust, that their mast and sail was blown over- 
board, and such mighty waves over-racked their 
boat, that they could scarce, with much labor in 
bailing out the water, keep her from sinking. 
Two days they staid among these islands, and 
because of the gusts and storms that then hap- 
pened, they called the place Limbo; but they 
are the same, which have since been named 
Wats's Islands. Having repaired the loss of 
their sail with their shirts, they stood over again 
to the eastern shore, and fell in with a pretty 
convenient river, then called Cuscarawock. 
This is what is laid down in our present charts 
by the name of Wighcocomoco, by whatever 
accident that name hath shifted in process of 
time, from Pokomoke river to this. Here the 
natives opposed them very furiously ; but leaving 
some toys in their huts, they brought some of 
them over at last to be very fond and obliging. 
On this river lived the nations of Sarapinagh, 
Nause, Arseck, and Nantaquack, who were the 
best merchants and greatest traders of all the 
Indians of this country. They had the finest 
furs, and made large quantities of the best Ro- 
anoke ; which was a sort of white bead, that 
occasioned as much dissension among those bar- 
barians, as gold and silver among Christians. 
They told the English of, and highly extolled, a 
great nation, called the Massawomecks ; in search 
of whom they returned again, by Limbo, into 
the bay; and finding the coast of the eastern 
shore nothing but shallow, broken isles, and for 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 103 

the most part without fresh water, they stood 
away from thence across the bay, bearing a little 
upwards, and fell in on the western side, above 
the mouth of Patuxent river, against some high 
clifts, which they called Riccard's Clifts. From 
hence they sailed thirty leagues farther north- 
ward, without finding any inhabitants. The 
coast was all along \ve\\ watered, but A^ery 
mountainous and barren, except the vallies, 
which were rich and fertile, but extremely thick 
wooded, and therefore abounded in wolves, bears, 
deer, and other wild beasts. They passed by 
many coves and small streams. The first they 
found navigable for a ship, they called Bolus 
River, because the clay in many places under 
the clifts grevi^ up in red and white knobs, like 
gum out of trees, and they concluded it to be 
bole armeniac and terra sigillata. This river, 
by its situation and bearings, must be the same 
with Patapsco in Maryland. 

"And now Captain Smith's crew, who at first 
feared nothing so much as his too hasty return, 
began to be very much soiled and fatigued. 
They had laid twelve or fourteen days in that 
open boat, were often tired at the oars, and their 
bread was spoiled and rotten with the rain; so 
that they were very importunate with him to 
return ; but he reminded them of the memorable 
resolution of Sir Ralph Lane's company, in the 
discovery of the river Moratuc, who insisted on 
his going forward, as long as they had a dog left, 
which, being boiled with sassafras leaves, ^'ould 
afford them a rich repast in their return; and he 



104 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

told them, what a shame it would be, to oblige 
him to return, with so much provision as they 
then had, when they could scarce say where they 
had been, or give any account of what they 
were sent to discover : that they could not deny 
but he had shared with them in the worst of 
what was past; and he was willing to take to 
himself the worst part of what was to come: 
that it was not likely any thing worse should be- 
fal them, than what had already happened; and 
that to return, was as dangerous as to proceed. 
He therefore advised them to resume their lost 
courage; for he was determined not to desist till 
he had seen the Massawomecks, found Patovv- 
mack, or traced the head of the bay; but after 
this, they were detained by the wind and weather 
three days; which added such a discouragement, 
that three or four fell sick, whose dissatisfaction 
and piteous complaints at last prevailed with him 
to return. 

"On the 16th of June, they fell in with the 
mouth of Patowmack. Their fears being now 
gone, and men recovered, they all agreed to take 
some pains in the discovery of that seven-mile 
broad river ; for although Smith had been carried 
over it in his captivity, yet he knew it not again 
by the mouth. For thirty miles they found no 
inhabitants; but afterwards were conducted, by 
two savages, up a little bayed creek, towards 
Nominy, where they discovered the woods laid 
with ambuscades, to the number of three or four 
thousand Indians, strangely grimmed and dis- 
guised, and making a horrible shnufino; and veil- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. lO^ 

ing. They made many bravadoes, and Smith 
prepared, with as great seeming wilUngness, to 
encounter them ; but commanding some muskets 
to be discharged on purpose, the grazing of the 
bullets on the water, together with the report 
and echo of the woods, so frightened and amazed 
them, that they threw down their arms, and be- 
came very kind and hearty iriends. They 
owned they were commanded to betray that 
party of English, by the direction of Powhatan, 
who was desired so to do by some discontented 
persons at Jamestown, because Captain Smith 
obliged them to stay in the country against their 
will. They afterwards went up the river, as 
high as they could with their boat; and were 
received in some places kindly, and in others in 
a hostile manner. Up a small river, then called 
Quiyough, which I take to be Patowmack creek, 
was a mine like antimony. In this the Indians 
dug, and washing away the dross in a clear 
brook which ran by, they put up the remainder 
in little bags, and sold it all over the country, to 
deck their bodies, faces, and idols; which made 
them look like blackamores, dusted over with 
silver. Newport had carried some of these bags 
home, and assured them that they were found, 
upon trial, to contain half silver. Being there- 
fore very eager after this mine, they obtained 
guides from Japazaws, king of Patowmack, who 
lived at the mouth of that little river, and went 
up to it; but all they got proved of no value. 
Towards the fails of Patowmack, they met sev- 
eral parties of Indians in canoes, loaded with 



1 



106 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the flesh of bears, deer, and other wild beasts, 
which they generously impart to them ; and in 
divers places they saw that abundance of fish ly- 
ing with their heads above water, that their barge 
driving among them, for want of a net, they at- 
tempt to catch them with a frying pan; but 
they found that a bad instrument to catch fish. 
"From Patowmack they set sail for Rappa- 
hanock, or, as it was by many called, Toppahan- 
ock river; where the captain intended to visit 
his captivity-acquaintance; but their boat, by 
reason of the lowness of the tide, ran aground 
on some shoals at the mouth of that river, where 
they spied many fish lurking in the sedge. The 
captain diverted himself by nailing them to the 
ground with his sword; and the rest betaking 
themselves to the same sport, they took more 
fish in an hour, than they could eat in a day; 
but Captain Smith, taking from his sword a fish, 
like a thornback, with a long tail, in the midst 
of which was a poisoned sting, of two or three 
inches length, bearded like a saw on each side, 
she struck her sting into his wrist an inch and 
a half. No blood or wound was seen, but only 
a little blue spot; yet such was the extremity of 
pain, and his hand, arm, and shoulder, were so 
swollen in four hours' time, that they all, with 
much sorrow, expected his death, and prepared 
his grave in an island by, as he himself directed; 
but it pleased God, by the application of an oil, 
which Dr. Russel had with him, his torment 
was so eased and assuaged before night, that to 
the great joy of the company, he eat of the fish 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 107 

fov his supper; and in memory of this accident, 
they called the isle Stingray Island, after the 
name of the fish. 

"Their provisions being near spent, and being 
also deterred by this misfortune, they set sail 
immediately for Jamestown ; and passing by the 
mouths of Pinkatank and Pamunkey rivers, they 
arrived the next day at Kicquotan. From 
thence they proceeded up to Warrasqueake ; 
where, trimming their barge w^ith painted stream- 
ers, and other such devices, they were taken for 
a Spanish frigate at Jamestown, where they ar- 
rived the 2 1 St of July. There they found the 
last supply of men all sick; and of the rest, some 
larne, some bruised, and all in a tumult and up- 
roar against the unreasonable pride and cruelty 
of the president, whom they would as strangely 
have tormented with revenge, had it not been 
for this seasonable arrival of the discovery barge. 
He had riotously consumed the store, and had 
greatly harassed and fatigued the people, in 
building an unnecessary house of pleasure for 
himself in the woods ; but their fury was much 
appeased by the good news of this discovery, 
and by the hopes, from some mistaken interpret- 
ation of the savage's account, that our bay 
reached to the South Sea, or somewhere near 
it; but above all, by the deposing RatclifFe, and 
Captain Smith's taking the government upon 
himself 

"Smith substituted his good friend Mr. Scriv- 
ener, who then lay exceeding ill of a calenture, 
in the presidency; and having settled all things 



108 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

to his own and the people's satisfaction, he staid 
but three days at Jamestown ; for the 24th of 
July, he set forward, with twelve men, to finish 
the discovery of the bay. They were detained 
two or three days at Kicquotan, by contrary 
winds, where they were kindly entertained and 
feasted by the king, and in diversion fired sev- 
eral rockets, which greatly terrified and aston- 
ished the poor savages. From thence they 
anchored, the first night, at Stingray Island ; 
and the next day, crossing the mouth of Patow- 
mack, they hastened to the river Bolus. A little 
beyond that, they found the bay divided into 
four streams, all which they searched, as far as 
they could sail. Two of them they found in- 
habited, the rivers Susquesahanock and Tock- 
wogh, since called Sassafras river. In crossing 
the bay, they met seven or eight canoes full of 
Massawomecks, a great and powerful nation of 
Indians inhabiting upon some of the lakes of 
Canada, and the original perhaps of those at 
present known by the name of the Senecas or 
Six Nations. They were at that time professed 
enemies, and a great terror to the nations dwell- 
ing on the upper part of our bay, and had then 
been at war with the Tockwoghs. After mutual 
threats of assault between them' and the English, 
they were at last induced to go on board the 
barge ; and by interchangeable presents becoming 
good friends, they departed without farther inter- 
course or conversation. 

"The next day, entering the river Tockwogh, 
they were environed with a fleet of canoes, full 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 109 

of armed men ; but coming to a parley, and the 
Tockwoghs seeing the Massawomeck arms, 
which they had presented to the English the day 
before, and which the English made them beh'eve 
they had taken in war, they were soon reconciled, 
and conducted them to their town. It was pal- 
isadoed round, mantled with the barks of trees, 
had scaffolds like mounts, and was breasted very 
formally. The men, women, and children did 
their utmost to express their affection ; and wel- 
comed them with songs, dances, fruits, and furs, 
and with whatever else they had. Hei'e they 
saw many hatchets, knives, and pieces of iron 
and brass, which, they told them, they had from 
the Susquesahanocks, a mighty nation, dwelling 
on the chief of the four branches at the head of 
the bay, two days' journey above the falls of that 
river. They prevailed with two Tockwoghs to 
go and invite some of the Susquesahanocks to 
them. In three or four days,- sixty of those gi- 
gantic people came down with presents of vari- 
ous kinds; and the wind being too high for their 
canoes, five of their chief werowances came 
boldly on board the English barge, and crossed 
the bay to Tockwogh. 

"This nation of the Susquesahanocks could 
muster about six hundred fighting men, and lived 
in palisadoed towns, to defend themselves against 
the Massawomecks, their mortal enemies. They 
were very large, well-proportioned men, and 
appeared like giants to the English and other 
Indians; yet seemed of an honest and simple 
disposition, and were scarcely restrained from 
10 



110 LIFE AND ADVENTUUES OF 

adoring the English as gods ; and their language 
and attire were very suitable to their stature 
and appearance ; for their language sounded deep, 
and solemn, and hollow, like a voice in a vault. 
Their attire was the skins of bears and wolves, 
so cut, that the man's head went through the 
neck, and the ears of the bear were fastened on 
his shouldei's, while the nose and teeth hung 
dangling down upon his breast. Behind was 
another bear's face split, with a paw hanging at 
the nose ; and their sleeves, coming down to their 
elbows, were the necks of bears, with their arms 
going through the mouth, and paws hanging to 
the noses. One had the head of a wolf hanging 
to a chain, for a jewel ; and his tobacco pipe 
was three-quarters of a yard long, carved with 
a bird, a deer, and other devices at the great 
end; which was sufficient to beat out a man's 
brains. They measured the calf of the largest 
man's leg, and found it three-quarters of a yard 
about, and all the rest of his limbs were in pro- 
portion; so that he seemed the stateliest and 
most goodly personage they had ever beheld. 
His arrows were five-quarters long, headed with 
the splinters of a white crystal-like stone, in 
form of a heart, an inch broad, and an inch and 
a half, or more, long. These he carried at his 
back, in a wolf's skin for his quiver, with his 
bow in one hand, and his club in the other. 

" The manner of the English was daily to have 
prayers with a psalm ; at which solemnity those 
poor barbarians wondered greatly. Prayers 
being done, the Susquesahanocks held a con- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. Ill 

sultalion; and then began in a very passionate 
manner to hold up their hands to the sun, with 
a most frightful song. Then embracing Captain 
Smith, they began to adore him in like manner. 
He rebuked them for it ; but they persisted, till 
their song was finished. After which, with a 
strange furious action, and a dismal voice, they 
began an oration of their love; which ended, 
they covered him with a large painted bear's 
skin. One stood ready with a great chain of 
white beads, weighing six or seven pounds, which 
he hung about his neck. The others had eight- 
een mantles, made of divers sorts of skins sewed 
together; all "which, with many other baubles, 
they laid at his feet, stroking their hands about 
his neck, for his creation to be their governor 
and protector. They promised him aids of men 
and victuals, and even offered all that they had, 
if he would stay with them, to defend and re- 
venge them on the Massawomecks; but he was 
obliged to leave them at Tockwogh, very sor- 
rowful for his departure; yet promised to visit 
them again the next year. They knew nothing 
of Powhatan and his territories but the name; 
and they informed the English that their hatch- 
ets and other commodities came originally from 
the French of Canada. 

"Having searclied all the rivers and inlets 
worth note, they passed down the bay, naming 
all the remarkable head-lands and places after 
some of the company or their friends. On the 
river Patuxent they found the people tractable 
and civil above all others. They, as well as the 



112 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Patowmacks, were very urgent with Smith to 
revenge them on the Massawomecks, which he 
promised to do, but was afterwards crossed in 
his purpose ; for depending upon the assistance 
and provisions of those two nations, and of the 
Susquesahanocks, he was very wiUing to hazard 
his person in the expedition: and therefore, after 
his return, he petitioned the council for forty 
men, to effect such a conquest and discovery; 
but the council, envying his industry and suc- 
cess, and deterred perhaps also by the difficulty 
of the undertaking, refused to risk the lives of so 
many men, in so long and so dangerous an 
enterprise. 

" In the discovery of Rappahanock river, they 
were kindly received and entertained by the 
people of Moraughtacund. Here they met with 
an old friend and acquaintance, one Mosco, a 
lusty Indian of Wighcocomoco on the river Pa- 
towmack. They supposed him some French- 
man's son, because he jiad a thick, black, bushy 
beard, and the Indians seldom have any at all ; 
and he was not a little proud of this, and to see 
so many of his countrymen. He was very of- 
ficious and useful to the English; and advised 
them by all means not to pass over to the Rap- 
pahanocks, who would certainly kill them for 
being friends with the Moraughtacunds, who 
had lately stolen three of their king's women; 
but thinking he only said this to secure their 
trade to his friends, they crossed the river to 
the Rappahanocks. There, under pretence of 
trade, they were invited up Rappahanock creek, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 113 

Avhere they had laid an ambush; and after a 
smart skirmish, in which many Indians were 
slain and wounded, the English came off victors 
without the least hurt. Having driven them up 
into the woods, they seized three or four canoes, 
full of commodities, which, with some arrows 
they had gathered up, they presented to Mosco 
for his kindness; and he, on his part, received 
them in the most triumphant manner, and in the 
best martial order under arms, that he could 
procure of the Moraughtacunds. 

" They spent the rest of the day in fitting up 
their boat with a breast-work of Massawomeck 
targets, which they had received from them, as 
presents, at the head of the bay, and which had 
been of singular use in the battle with the Rap- 
pahanocks. They were made of small twigs, 
woven together so firmly with strings of wild 
hemp and silk-grass, that no arrow could possi- 
bly pierce them. The next morning, they set 
sail up the river; and Mosco followed along the 
shore, and at last desired to go with them in the 
boat. As they passed by Pisacack, Matcho- 
peake, and Mecuppom, three towns, situate on 
the north side of the river, on high, white, clay 
clifts, with a low marsh over against them, and 
the river but narrow, thirty or forty Rappahan- 
ocks had so disguised themselves with branches, 
that they took them for little bushes growing in 
the sedge. They saw their arrows often strike 
against the targets, and drop into the river; and 
at last Mosco, failing flat on his face in the boat, 
cried out, 'The Rappahanocks!' They soon 
10* 



114 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

perceived them to be the bushes in the sedge, 
which at the first volley fell- down; and when 
they had passed about half a mile further, they 
again showed themselves, singing and dancing 
very merrily; but they were kindly treated by 
the rest of the nations to the falls, and they even 
used their utmost interest with Mosco, to bring 
the English to them. Between Secobeck on the 
south, and Massawteck on the north side of the 
river, there was a small island or two, which 
made the river broader than ordinary. Here 
Mr. Richard Fetherstone, one of their company, 
died; who, from his first coming to the country, 
had behaved himself honestly, valiantly, and in- 
dustriously. They buried him in a little bay, 
which they then called Fetherstone's bay, with 
a volley of their arms; but the rest of the last 
supply, who had, on the expedition, been miser- 
ably sick and harassed with their seasoning, had 
by this time perfectly recovered their health. 

"The next day, they sailed up as high as their 
boat could go, setting up crosses, and carving 
their names on the trees; which they constantly 
did at all the highest places they went to. As 
they ranged about at the falls, the sentinel saw 
an arrow fall by him; and giving the alarm, they 
perceived about an hundred nimble Indians, 
skipping from tree to tree, and letting fly their 
arrows as fast as the}' could; but after half an 
hour's skirmish, they all vanished as suddenly as 
they came. As the English returned from the 
pursuit, they found an Indian, lying as dead, shot 
in the knee. Mosco, who had been of great 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 115 

service in the battle, was as furious to beat out 
his brains, as ever dog was against a bear; but 
protecting him from his rage, and carrying him 
to the surgeon who attended to cure the cap- 
tain's hurt of the stingray, he was within an hour 
so far recovered, that he both ate and spoke. 
lie was brother to the king of Hassininga, one 
of the four nations of the Mannahocks. These 
were a people dwelling above the falls of Rap- 
pahanock, neighbors to, and in strict friendship 
and alliance with the Manakins against Pow- 
hatan and his territories; for the Manakins were 
not confined to one place or town, as is vulgarly 
thought, but spread all that country, from a small 
distance above the falls of James river up to 
the mountains, in several towns; and they were 
the heads or chiefs of the league and confederacy 
of the upland and mountain Indians against the 
power and tyranny of Powhatan. These Man- 
nahocks, their neighbors and allies, lived on small 
streams, in a hilly country, chiefly by hunting; 
and were then come down to fish at Mohaskahod, 
a small hunting town, on the north side of the 
falls of Rappahanock, and the boundary between 
them and the Nantaughtacunds, a large nation 
on the navigable river below the falls. The 
English asked their prisoner why they had en- 
deavored to destroy them, who came to them 
in peace, to seek their friendship. He answered, 
that they heard the English were a people come 
from under the world, to take their world from 
them. Being asked how many worlds he knew, 
he said he knew none but that which was under 



116 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the sky that covered him, and which consisted 
of the Powhatans, the Manakins, and the Mas- 
sawomecks ; and he told them that the last dwelt 
on a great water, had many boats, and so many 
men, that they warred on all the world besides. 
After many other questions concerning the 
country, especially beyond the great mountains, 
to which he could give no satisfactory answers, 
they presented him with some toys, and per- 
suaded him to go along with them; but he 
pressed them much to stay the coming of the 
Mannahock kings, who, for their good usage to 
him, should be their friends; and notwithstanding 
Mosco's eager solicitations to be gone, they 
resolved to stay till night, preparing themselves 
to entertain whatever should con)e. 

"All this while the king of Hassininga was 
seeking the rest, and held a long consultation 
what to do. When the English had weighed 
and were gone, they followed them all night, 
yelling, and hallooing, and shooting thek arrows, 
and would come to no terms or discourse; but 
in the morning, being bi'ought to a parley, Am- 
oroleck, the prisoner, held a long discourse with 
them. He told them how good the English 
were, and how kindly they had used him ; that 
they had a Patowmack with them, that loved 
them as his life, and would have slain him, had 
they not prevented it; and that he might have, 
his liberty if they would be friends; to which 
he advised them by all means, since to do them 
an}^ hurt was impossible. Upon this they all 
hung their bows and quivers upon the trees; 



CAI'TAIN JOHN :5.VHTH. 117 

and one came swimming aboard with a bow tied 
on his head, and another with a quiver of 
arrows. Having presented them to the captain, 
he used them very kindly, and told them that 
the other three kings should do the same, and 
then the great king of his world should be their 
friend. This was no sooner demanded, than 
performed; and so going ashore on a low morass 
point of land, those four kings came, and re- 
ceived Amoroleck; and after many mutual civ- 
ilities and presents, the English departed, leaving 
four or five hundred Mannahocks, singing, dan- 
cing, and makincr loud and barbarous reioicins[S. 
"In their return down the river they visited 
all their friends, who rejoiced much at their vic- 
tory over the Mannahocks. By their entreaty. 
Captain Smith was induced to make peace with 
the Rappahanocks; upon condition that they 
should present him the king's bow and arrows, 
and not offer to come armed where he was ; and 
that they should be friends wnth the Moraughta- 
cunds, his friends, and give their king's son a 
hostage for the performance. Accordingly, the 
kings of Nantaughtacund and Pisasack met the 
English at the place where they first fought. 
There the king of Rappahanock presented his 
bow and arrows, and performed all they demand- 
ed, except the delivering his son ; for having no 
other, he said he could not live without him; 
and he offered in his stead to give up the three 
women, which the Moraughtacunds had stolen 
from him. This was accepted ; and the women 
being brought, Captain Smith presented each of 



118 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

them with a chain of beads. Then causing the 
king of Rappahanock, of Moraughtacund, and 
Mosco to stand before him, he bid the king of 
Rappahanock take her he loved best, Moraugh- 
tacund to choose next, and to Mosco he gave the 
third; and thus was the peace concluded, and 
celebrated with feasting, singing, and dancing; 
and Mosco, to express his love to the English, 
changed his name to Uttasantasough, which sig- 
nified in their language, Stranger, and was the 
name by which they called the English; and then 
all the Indians, promising to be always their 
friends, and to plant corn purposely for them; 
and the English, on their side, to provide hatch- 
ets, beads, and copper for them; they departed, 
giving them a volley of their fire-arms, which 
they returned with as loud shouts and cries as 
their strength could utter. 

" That night they anchored in the river Pi- 
ankatank, and discovered it as high as it was 
navigable; but the people were gone out to 
hunting, except a few old men, women, and chil- 
dren, that were tending their corn. Of these 
they obtained a promise of part, when they 
should fetch it; as they had likewise done of all 
the nations, wherever they had been. Going 
from thence to Point Comfort, they were in a 
bay on the south of the mouth of York river, 
then called Gosnold's bay, surprised in the night 
with such a sudden gust of thunder and rain, 
that they never expected more to see Jamestown; 
but discerning the land by the fliashes of light- 
ning, they avoided splitting on the shore; till, by 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 1 iO 

the help of the same light, they found Point 
Comfort, where they landed, and refreshed them- 
selves the rest of the night. 

" Having discovered so many nations at a 
distance, they thought it highly proper and 
necessary to know their near neighbours, the 
Chesapeakes, and Nansamonds, of whom they 
had, as yet, only heard. Therefore setting sail 
for the southern shore, they entered a narrow 
river, then called Chesapeake, but now Elizabeth, 
on which the town of Norfolk stands. It had 
a good channel, but some shoals about the en- 
trance. They sailed up six or seven miles, and 
saw two or three little garden-plots, with houses, 
and the shores overgrown with the largest pines 
they had ever seen in the country; but neither 
seeing nor hearing any people, and their river 
being very* narrow, they returned back, and 
coasted the shore towards Nansamond, which 
they found to be chiefly oyster-banks. At the 
mouth of Nansamond, they spied six or seven 
Indians making their weirs, who presently fled; 
but the English went ashore, and threw divers 
toys where they w^ere working, and so departed. 
They were not gone far, before the Indians re- 
turned, and began to sing, and dance, and call 
them back. One of them came voluntarily into 
their boat, and invited them up the river to his 
house, which was in a little island, where (as 
well as on the main land against it) they saw 
many and large corn-fields. He treated them 
with great civility, and they in return presented 
him, his wife, and children, with such tovs as 



120 LIFE Ai\t) ADVENTUUES OF 

highly pleased thetn. By that time the others 
being come, invited them higher up the river, 
under pretence of going to their houses likewise ; 
but they soon found that they only intended to 
decoy them up into the narrows of the river, 
'where the whole nations of the Nansamonds and 
Chesapeakes were in ambush to receive them. 
Having discovered the treachery, they made the 
best of their way down into the open, amidst the 
shot of three or four hundred Indians, which they 
returned from their muskets with such effect, 
that they soon made them glad to take shelter 
behind the trees. Above an hundred arrows 
stuck in their breast-work of Massawomeck tar- 
gets, and about the boat, yet none was hurt. 
Only Anthony Bagnall, the surgeon, was shot in 
his hat, and another in the sleeve. Having 
gained the open against the island, they seized 
on all their canoes, and resolved, upon consulta- 
tion, to burn every thing on the island at night. 
In the mean while they began to cut to pieces 
their canoes ; at the sight of which the Indians 
threw down their arms, and sued for peace; 
which the English granted, on condition they 
would bring their king's bow and arrows, wi|h 
a chain of pearl; and should, when they canre 
back again, give them four hundred baskets (|f 
corn. Otherwise they threatened to break a'll 
their canoes, to burn their houses and corn, and 
to destroy all that they had. To these conditions 
the Indians most joyfully agreed; and flocking 
down with their baske'ts, they soon loaded their 
boat with corn, and so parted good friends. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 121 

"And thus having viewed and reconnoitered 
all the places on the bay, and having passed 
about three thousand miles, according to their 
own computation, in that small and open boat, 
and in the midst of many barbarous and savage 
nations, they returned with joy and triumph to 
Jamestown, where they arrived safe, the 7th of 
September, 1608. There they found Mr. Scriv- 
ener, and several others, well recovered; some 
sick; many dead; the late president a prisoner 
for mutiny; and the corn, by Mr. Scrivener's 
honest diligence, gathered; but the provisions in 
the store much injured by the rain."* 



CHAPTEPw X. 

Smith consents to administer the Government — Arrival of 
Newport with a Crown and other Absurd Gifts for Pow- 
hatan — Smith opposes his Course, but is Overruled : Visits 
Powhatan, who finally submits to a Coronation — Newport's 
Unfortunate Expedition to the Manakins---Novel Remedy 
for Profanity— Smith's Success in procuring- Corn : Plot to 
Injure him Overthrown— Newport and his Mariners the 
Source of much Mischief and Misrepresentation-— Com- 
plaints of the Council in England— Smith's Rejoinder. 

"On the 10th of September, by the election 
of the council, and the request of the colony. 
Captain Smith was invested with the govern- 
ment; which, till then, he would by no means 
accept, though often importuned to it. And 
now the building of Ratcliffe's palace was 
stopped, and works of more immediate use and 

* Stith's History of Virginia. 
11 



122 LIFE AND ADVENTUHES OF 

necessity undertaken. The church was repair- 
ed ; the store-house new covered ; and a place 
made ready for the reception of the supplies they 
daily expected from England. The fort was re- 
duced into form; the order of the watch was re- 
newed; the troops trained at each setting of the 
watch; and the whole company every Saturday 
exercised in the plain towards the west, which 
was prepared for that purpose, and called Smith- 
field; where sometimes above an hundred In- 
dians would stand in amazement, to behold how 
a file would batter a tree, where the president 
had made them a mark to shoot at. And now 
being the time of gathering corn, and of plenty 
among the Indians, the boats were trimmed 
for trade, and sent out under the command of 
Lieutenant Percy; but in their way, meeting 
Captain Newport with the second supply, he 
brought them back to Jamestown. 

"Captain Newport was in reality an empty, 
idle, interested man; very fearful and suspicious 
in times of danger and difficulty; but a very 
great and important person in his own talk and 
conceit. He had, by the advantage of going 
to and fro, gained so much upon the ear and 
confidence of the council and company in Eng- 
land, that whatever he proposed, was for the 
most part concluded and resolved on; and upon 
this voyage, he obtained a private commission, 
not to return without a lump of gold, a certainty 
of the South Sea, or one of the lost company, 
sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh. Besides, he 
brought an express command to discover the. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 123 

country of the Manakins, with a barge, for con- 
veniency of carriage, to be taken into five pieces, 
which they were to carry beyond the falls, to 
the South Sea. He likewise brought over a 
crown for Powhatan, with orders for his corona- 
tion, and presents of a bason and ewer, bed, bed- 
stead, clothes, and other costly novelties; which 
stately kind of court had this bad effect, that it 
made him value himself too much, and oveiTate 
his favour, which they had before much better 
for a plain piece of copper. In this voyage came 
over many persons of distinction: Captain Peter 
Wynne and Captain Richard Waldo, two old 
soldiers and valiant gentlemen, both appointed 
of the council ; Mr. Francis West, brother to 
the Lord Delaware; Raleigh Croshaw, John 
Russel, John Codrington, Daniel Tucker, Mr. 
Hunt, Thomas Forest, and others, to the number 
of seventy persons. In this ship likewise arrived 
Mrs. Forest, and Anne Burras, her maid, the 
first English women ever in this country; and 
eight Poles and Germans were sent, to make 
pitch, tar, glass, mills, and soap-ashes; which, 
when the country was replenished with people 
and necessaries, would have done exceedingly 
well, but in that their infant state, they were 
only a burden and hindrance to the rest, who 
were sufficiently puzzled and employed to find 
subsistence for themselves. 

"Captain Smith, whose miiid was solid and 
provident, and plainly foresaw the ill consequence 
of spending that time in these projects, which 
ought to be employed in the speedy dispatch of 



124 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

the ship, and in trading and laying in a store of 
provisions for the year, was much mortified and 
perplexed with these orders, and strenuously op- 
posed their execution in council ; but Newport 
undertook to freight the bark of twenty tons with 
corn, in going and returning from the Manakins ; 
and to obtain another load for her of Powhatan, 
from Werowocomoco. He also promised a large 
proportion of victuals from the ship; which he 
was so far from performing, that the colony was 
obliged to spare him three hogsheads of corn to 
victual him homeward. In short, he represented 
Smith's opposition as a mere device to hinder 
his journey, that he might himself effect the dis- 
covery ; and he said that his cruelty to the In- 
dians might well be a means to hinder these 
designs, and to make them seek revenge. 
Smith's opinion being therefore overruled by 
the unanimous voice of the council, all other 
works and designs were laid aside, and an hun- 
dred and twenty chosen men appointed for 
Newport's guard on the expedition. 

"But Smith, to clear himself of these suspi- 
cions, and to show that the Indians were not so 
desperate as was pretended by Newport, and 
how willing he was to assist, as far as he could, 
undertook himself to carry their message to 
Powhatan, and to invite him to Jamestown to 
receive his presents; and taking with him only 
Captain Waldo and three more, he went across 
by land, about twelve miles to Werowocomoco, 
where he passed the river in an Indian canoe. 
Powhatan, being thirty miles off, was immedi- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 125 

ately sent for; and in the mean time, Pocahon- 
tas and her women entertained him with a 
strange mask and barbarian piece of revelry, 
and feasted them with all the savage dainties 
they could devise, The next day Powhatan 
came, and Smith delivered his message, together 
with Namontack, his servant, whom he had 
sent to England. And he desired him to come 
to his father Newport, to receive his presents, 
and to enter upon measures for their effectual 
revenge against the Manakins. To this that 
subtle barbarian answered; 'That if their king 
had sent him any presents, he also was a king, 
and that was his land: that he would stay eight 
days to receive them : that Newport ought to 
come to him, and not he to go to their fort, 
which was too foolish a bait to be taken: that 
as to the Manakins, he could revenge his own. 
wrongs; and for any salt water beyond the 
mountains, he told him, that all the relations 
tiiey had received from his people were false.' 
Whereupon he began to draw plots upon the 
ground, according to his discourse, of all those 
regions. Many other complimental discourses 
passed between them; and so Smith returned 
with his answer to Jamestown. 

" Hereupon the presents were sent round by 
water, and the captains went across by land, 
with a guard of fii'ty men. All being met at 
Werowocomoco, the next day was appointed 
for his coronation. Then the presents were 
brought; his bason and ewer, bed and furniture, 
were set up; and his scarlet cloak and apparel, 
11* 



126 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

with much ado, put on him, being persuaded by 
Namontack that they would not hm't him. But 
a great coil and trouble there was to make him 
kneel, to receive his crown. He neither knew 
the majesty of a crown, nor the meaning of 
bending the knee, which obliged them to use so 
many persuasions, examples and instructions, 
as tired them all. At last, by leaning hard on 
his shoulders, he stooped a little, and three, being 
ready with the crow^n, put it on his head; when, 
by the warning of a pistol, the boats were pre- 
pared with such a volley of shot, that the king 
started up in a horrible fright, till he saw all was 
well. Then recollecting himself, to return their 
kindness, he gave his old shoes and mantle to 
Captain Newport; and finding him determined 
to discover the Manakins, he did his utmost to 
divert him from his pui-pose, and refused to lend 
him either men or guides, except Namontack. 
And so, after some slight compliments on both 
sides, in requital for his presents, he gave New- 
port a heap of ears of corn, which might contain 
seven or eight bushels, and much more was 
purchased in the town, with which they returned 
to the fort at Jamestown, 

" Immediately upon their return. Captain New- 
port, with an hundred and twenty chosen men, 
led by Captain Waldo, Lieutenant Percy, Captain 
Wynne, Mr. West, and Mr. Scrivener, set for- 
ward for the discovery of the Manakins; leav- 
ing the president at the fort, with eighty or 
ninety weak and sickly men, to load the ship. 
Arriving at the falls, they marched by land 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 127 

about forty miles, and found a very fair, fertile, 
well-watered country. Two towns of the Man- 
akins they discovered, situate on the south side 
of the river. The people used them neither 
well nor ill; yet, for their security, they took 
one of their petty kings, and led him bound, to 
conduct them the way. In their return, they 
spent some time in searching for mines, having 
with them one William Callicut, a refiner, for 
that purpose. From the crust of earth, which 
they dug, he persuaded them that he extracted 
some small quantity of silver. With, this poor 
trial, they returned down the same path they 
went to the falls; where the Indians feigned that 
many ships were come into the bay to kill the 
English at Jamestown. But as for their corn, 
they hid it in the woods, and could by no 
means Be induced to trade. And being thus 
deluded and disappointed, they returned to 
Jamestown, half sick, and all complaining, being 
sadly harassed with toil, famine and discontent. 
"A^o sooner were they landed, but the presi- 
dent dispersed as many as were able, some to 
make glass, and others for pitch, tar, and soap- 
ashes. Leaving them at the fort, under the 
council's care and oversight, he himself carried 
thirty about five miles down the river, to learn 
to cut down trees, make clapboard, and lie in 
the woods. Among these he chose Gabriel 
Beadle and John Russell, two fine and proper 
gentlemen of the last supply. These w^ere, at 
first, strange diversions for men of pleasure. 
Yet they all lodged, eat and drank, worked or 



128 



LIFE AND ADVENT UUES OF 



played, only as the president himself did; and 
all things were carried so pleasantly, that within 
a week they became masters, and thirty or forty 
of such voluntary gentlemen would have done 
more in a day, than an hundred of the rest, who 
must be driven to it by compulsion. Being 
inured to labour by these means, they soon made 
it their delight to hear the trees thunder as they 
fell; and afterwards became very hardy, useful, 
and resolute men, especially Mr. Russel. But 
the axes often blistering their tender fingers, 
they would, at every third stroke, drown the 
echo, with a loud volley of oaths; to remedy 
which sin, the president ordered every man's 
oaths to be numbered, and, at night, for every 
oath, to have a can of water poured down his 
sleeve; which so washed and drenched the 
offender that, in a short time, an oath was not 
heard in a week. 

"In the mean while, Mr. Scrivener, Captain 
Waldo, and Captain Wynne, at the fort, each, 
in their several way, carefully regarded their 
charge. But when the president returned, see- 
ing the time consumed, and no provision got, 
and that the ship lay idle at a great charge, and 
did nothing, he immediately embarked in the 
discovery barge, taking with him eighteen men 
and another boat, and leaving orders with the 
council to send Lieutenant Percy after him, with 
the next barge that arrived at the fort. Going 
into Chickahominy, the Indians were surly, and 
knowing his wants, with much scorn and inso- 
lence, refused to trade. But the president, per- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 129 

ceiving it was Powhatan's policy to starve the 
English, told them that he came not so much for 
corn, as to revenge his own -captivity and the 
death -of his two men; which he pretended to 
attribute to them. And so landing his men, and 
making ready to charge them, they immediately 
fled. Soon after, they sent ambassadors with 
corn, fish, fowl, and whatever else they had, to 
make their peace. Their corn being that year 
but bad, they complained extremely of their own 
wants, yet freighted their boats with an hundred 
bushels, and in like manner Lieutenant Percy's, 
that not long after aiTived. Returning to James- 
town, the colony was much pleased and revived 
by this seasonable supply. Yet such was the 
malice and envy of some, that they had rather 
hazard a starving, than that Smith's endeavors 
should prove so much more effectual than theirs. 
And Newport and Ratcliffe had projected, not 
only to depose him, but to keep him out of the 
fort, under pretence that, being president, he had 
left his place and the fort without their consent. 
But their horns were too short, and they them- 
selves narrowly escaped a greater mischief. 

"All this while, their old tavern, the ship, 
made as much of all them that had either money 
or ware as could be desired. By this time, they 
were become perfect on all sides, the sailors, the 
soldiers, and the Indians; and much more care 
v/as taken to maintain their private and per- 
nicious trade, than to provide things necessary 
for the colony. Newport and his mariners had 
so many private factors at the fort, that in six 



130 LIFE AND ADVE>fTURES OF 

or seven weeks, of two or three hundred axes, 
hoes, pick-axes, and other instruments for the 
use of the colony, scarce twenty could be found ; 
and for pike-heads, powder, shot, or any thing 
else they could steal, they knew well how to 
convey them secretly to trade with the Indians 
for furs, baskets, young beasts, and other such- 
like commodities. So that, although Virginia 
afforded no commodities for those who were at 
the expense of the settlement, yet these men 
found means, by these indirect methods, of driv- 
ing on a very profitable trade. And thus, by 
their false excuses, informations, and advices in 
England, and by their unlawful trade here, the 
adventurers were cozened, and the action almost 
overthrown. Upon this account, therefore, as 
well as under pretence that his orders were not 
to return without a lump of gold, a certainty of 
the South Sea, or one of Sir Walter Raleigh's 
lost company, the president had once determined 
to send away the ship, and to oblige Nev>'port to 
stay one year in the country, to learn to speak 
of his own experience. But upon his submission 
and acknowledgment, this punishment was re- 
mitted, and he was suffered to return to England 
in the ship, where, it is not to be doubted, but 
that he represented matters in the worst light. 

"It is certain, that the treasurer and council 
in England were greatly disappointed in their 
hopes. For they expected, upon their discov- 
eries in America, to have speedy returns in gold 
and silver, and such other rich commodities as 
the Spaniards found at their first arrival. * # » 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 131 

But however free they might be from blame, the 
council in England were certainly very much 
fretted with the disappointment, and by this ship 
wrote the president a very angry letter. They 
complained of the vain hopes they had been fed 
with, and very small proofs ; and of their factions 
and silly projects about dividing the country, 
concerning which the late president and his fac- 
tion had written some idle story to the earl of 
Salisbury, at that time chief minister of state. 
And they threatened, unless the charge of 
this voyage, amounting to about two thousand 
pounds, was defrayed by the ship's return, they 
should be deserted, and left to remain here as 
banished men. To this letter Captain Smith 
gave a very plain and soldierly answer by the 
ship, which was at length dispatched, with the 
trials of pitch, tar, glass, frankincense, and soap- 
ashes, and with what wainscot and clapboard 
could be provided."* 

As a document well worthy preservation for 
all time, and as a matter of justice to the char- 
acter of the writer, we copy verbatim this manly 
vindication from the mean aspersions of his 
enemies: 

" Right FIonorable, &c. : I received your Letter, 
wherein you write, that our minds are so set vpon 
faction, and idle conceits in diuiding the Country 
without your consents, and that we feed You but with 
ifs and ands, hopes, and some ^e\v proofes ; as if we 
would keepe the mystery of the businesse to our 

* Stith's History of Virginia, 



132 



LIFE AND ADVENTUKE3 OF 



selues: and that we must expressly follow your in- 
structions sent by Captain Newport : the charge of 
whose voyage amounts to neare two thousand pounds, 
the which if we cannot defray by the Ships returne, 
we are alike to remain as banished men. To these 
particulars I humbly entreat your pardons if I offend 
you with my rude Answer. 

"For our factions, vnlesse you would haue me run 
away and leaue the Country, I cannot prevent them : 
because I do make many stay that would els fly any 
whether. For the idle Letter sent to my Lord of 
Salisbury, by the President and his confederats, for 
diuiding the Country, &;c. What it was I know not, 
for you saw no hand of mine to it; nor euer dream't 
I of any such matter. That we feed you with hopes, 
&c. Though I be no scholer, I am past a schoole- 
boy ; and I desire but to know, what either you, and 
these here doe know, but that I haue learned to tell 
you by the eontinuall hazard of my life. I haue not 
concealed from you any thing I know ; but I feare 
some cause you to beleeue much more then is true. 

"Expressly to follow your directions by Captaine 
Newport, though they be performed, I was directly 
against it; but according to our Commission, I was 
content to be overruled by the maior part of the 
Councell, I feare to the hazard of vs all ; which now 
is generally confessed when it is too late. Onely 
Captaine Winne and Captaine Waldo J haue sworne 
of the Councell, and Crowned Powhatan according 
to your instructions. 

"For the charge of this voyage of two or three 
thousand pounds, we haue not receiued the value of 
an hundred pounds. And for the quartred Boat to be 
borne by the Souldiers over the Falles, Newport had 
120 of the best men he could chuse. If he had 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 133 

burnt her to ashes, one might haue carried her in a 
bag, but as she is, fiue hundred cannot, to a naviga- 
ble place aboue the Falles. And for him at that time 
to find in the South Sea, a Mine of gold; or any of 
them sent by Sir Walter Raleigh: at our Consulta- 
tion I told them was as likely as the rest. But during 
this great discovery of thirtie myles, (which might as 
well haue beene done by one man, and much more, 
for the value of a pound of Copper at a seasonable 
tyme) they had the Pinnace and all the Boats with 
them, but one that remained with me to serue the 
Fort. In their absence I followed the new begun 
workes of Pitch and Tarre, Glasse, Sopeashes, Clap- 
boord, whereof some small quantities we haue sent 
you. But if you rightly consider, what an infinite 
toyle it is in Russia and Swethland, where the woods 
are proper for naught els, and though there be the 
helpe both of man and beast in those ancient Com- 
mon-wealths, which many an hundred yeares haue 
vsed it, yet thousands of those poore people can scarce 
get necessaries to Hue, but from hand to mouth. And 
though your Factors there can buy as much in a 
week as will fraught you a ship, or as much as you 
please ; you must not expect from vs any such mat- 
ter, which are but as many of ignorant miserable 
soules, that are scarce able to get wherewith to Hue, 
and defend our selues against the inconstant Salvages: 
finding but here and there a tree fit for the purpose, 
and want all things els the Russians haue. For the 
Coronation of Poiohatan, by whose advice you sent 
him such presents, I know not ; but this giue me 
leaue to tell you, I feare they will be the confusion 
of vs all ere we heare from you againe. At your 
ships arriyall, the Salvages harvest was newly gath- 
ered, and we going to buy it, our owne not being 

II 



134 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

halfe sufficient for so great a number. As for the 
two ships loading of Corne Newport promised to pro- 
vide vs from Powhatan, he brought us but fourteene 
Bushels; and from the Monacans nothing, but the 
most of the men sicke and neare famished. From 
your Ship we had not provision in victuals worth 
twenty pound, and we are more then two hundred to 
Hue vpon this: the one halfe sicke, the other little 
better. For the Saylers (I confesse) they daily make 
good cheare, but our dyet is a little meale and water, 
and not sufficient of that. Though there be fish in 
the Sea, foules in the ayre, and Beasts in the woods, 
their bounds are so large, they so wilde, and we so 
weake and ignorant, we cannot much trouble them. 
Captaine Newport we much suspect to be the Author 
of those inventions Now that you should know I 
haue made you as great a discovery as he, for lesse 
charge then he spendeth you every meale ; I haue 
sent you this Mappe of the Bay and Rivers, with an 
annexed Relation of the Countries and Nations that 
inhabit them, as you may see at large.* Also two 
barrels of stones, and such as I take to be good Iron 
ore at the least; so divided, as by their notes you 
may see in what places I found them. The Soul- 
diers say many of your officers maintaine their fam- 
ilies out of that you sent vs : and that Netcport .hath 
an hundred pounds a yeare for carrying newes. For 
every master you haue yet sent can find the way as 
well as he, so that an hundred pounds might be spared, 
which is more then we haue all, that helps to pay 
him wages. Cap. RatUjfe is now called Sickkmore, 
a poore counterfeited Imposture. I haue sent you 

* Such was the accuracy of this map, that it was, for 
about two centuries, the original from which all later maps 
and descriptions were copied. 






CAl'TAlN JOHN SMITH. 135 

hi:ii home, least the company should cut his throat. 
— What he is, now every one can tell you ; if he 
and Archer returne againe, they are sufficient to 
keepe vs alwayes in factions. When you send againe 
I entreat you rather send but thirty Carpenters, hus- 
bandmen, gardiners, fisher men, blacksmiths, masons, 
and diggers vp of trees' roots, well provided, then a 
thousand of such as we haue : for except wee be able 
both to lodge them, and feed them, the most will con- 
sume with want of necessaries before they can be 
made good for any thing. Thus if you please to con- 
sider this account, and the vnnecessary wages to 
Captaine Newport, or his ships so long lingering and 
staying here (for notwithstanding his boasting to 
leaue vs victuals for 12 moneths, though we had 89 
by this discovery lame and sicke, and but a pinte of 
Corne a day for a man, we were constrained to giue 
him three hogsheads of that to victuall him homeward) 
or yet to send into Germany or Poleland for glasse- 
men and the rest, till we be able to sustaine ourselues, 
and releeue them when they come. It were better 
to giue flue hundred pound a tun for those grosse 
Commodities in Denmarke, then send for them hither, 
till more necessary things be provided. For in over, 
toyling our weake and vnskilfuU bodies, to satisfie 
this desire of present profit, we can scarce ever re- 
cover our selues from one Supply to another. And 
I humbly intreat you hereafter, let vs know what we 
should receive, and not stand to the Saylers courtesie 
to leaue vs what they please, els you may charge vs 
what you will, but we not you with any thing. These 
are the causes that haue kept vs in Virginia from laying 
such a foundation, that ere this might haue given much 
better content and satisfaction ; but as yet you must not 
looke for any profitable returnes : so I humbly rest." 



136 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 



CHAFTEE XI. 

PaminC'—Degperate Efforts to procure Stipplies— First Mar- 
riage in America-^-House for Powhatan— ^Smith and others 
embark on an Adventurous Expedition'—Christmas spent 
among the lndians---Arrivai at VVerowocomoco— Interview 
of Smith and Powhatan-— Treachery of the Germans - 
Crafty Speech of Powhatan-^Jeopardy of Smith and his 
Companions-— Duplicity of the Indians— -Pocahontas warns 
Smith of his Danger ! his Vigilance ; Departure — Arms 
stolen by the Germans for Powhatan— -Arrival of Smith at 
Pamunkey-— Deception of OpechancanoUgh— Smith chal- 
lenges him to Single Combat---Seize3 him, and obtains his 
Demands— Serious Accident at Jamestown— -Smith's Return 
—-Disorderly State of Aff'airs— German Deserters detected 
—Encounter of Smith and Paspabey : Escape of the latter, 
and Subsequent Meeting— Indian Oratory— Compact for 
Peace. 

The departure of NeAVport and his ship was 
hailed as a great relief by the judicious portion 
of the settlers, who had long been entertaining 
apprehensions of famine, and now sedulously set 
to work to avert that calamity. Mr. Scrivener 
who had previously been sent to Werowoco- 
moco on a trading voyage, found the Indians 
"more ready to fight than to trade;" but his 
vigilance disconcerted their plots, and he ob- 
tained three or four hogsheads of corn, with 
which he returned to Jamestown. He soon 
after accompanied the president and Captain 
Wynne to Nansamond, which nation at first 
denied "not only the four hundred baskets of 
corn they had promised, but any trade at all. 
They excused themselves on account of their 
corn's being almost spent, and because they 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 137 

were commanded by the double-dealing Pow- 
hatan to keep what was left, and not to let the 
English even enter then' river. The president, 
finding nothing was to be done in the way of 
peace, resolved to use force. At the first onset, 
the Indians all fled, without shooting an arrow. 
Then marching up to their houses, they set fire 
to the first they came to. When the Indians 
perceived that, they offered, if they would make 
no more spoil, to give them half the corn they 
had. Accordingly, before night, they loaded 
their three boats; and for sparing them this 
year, they promised to plant corn purposely for 
them the next. With this they returned to 
Jamestown, about the time. that John Laydon 
was maiTied to Anne Burras; which was the 
first Christian marriage that ever was in Virginia. 
But Smith staid not long at the fort. For he 
fitted himself and Captain Waldo out imme- 
diately with two barges, and made a voyage up 
the river. From Wyanoake, and all parts 
thereabouts, he found the Indians fled; and 
therefore hasting up higher, he then first discov- 
ered the river and people of Appamatox. The 
little corn they had was equally divided, and the 
president gave them copper for it, and such 
other toys as fully satisfied them. At the same 
time, Mr. Scrivener and Lieutenant Percy went 
abroad in quest of provisions, but could find 
nothing. 

"About this time, the president was invited 
by Powhatan to come to him ; and he promised 
to load his ship with corn, provided he would 
12* 



138 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

send some workmen to build him a house, and 
would give him a grind-stone, fifty swords, some 
muskets, a cock and a hen, with much copper 
and beads. The president was not ignorant of 
his devices and subtlety ; yet was unwilling to 
neglect any opportunity of getting provisions, 
and resolved, sooner than fail, to take him and 
all his store by surprise. To this end, he took 
order with Captain Waldo, whom he knew to 
be sure in time of danger, to second him if need 
required. But Captain Wynne and Mr. Scriv- 
ener did their utmost to hinder their project. 
For Scrivener's strict friendship with Captain 
Smith was now much cooled; and he was 
thought to join with some others in a plot to 
ruin him in England. But the president, whom 
no eloquence could persuade to starve, sent off 
two Englishmen before by land, and four Ger- 
mans, to build the house for Powhatan against 
his arrival. And then, having left Mr. Scriv- 
ener his substitute, he set forward with the bark 
and two barges, manned only with such as offered, 
themselves to go voluntarily upon the service. 
In the discovery-barge went himself, Mr. Ralegh 
Croshaw, John Russel, and several other gen- 
tlemen and soldiers ; and Mr. William Phitti- 
})lace as captain. Lieutenant Percy, Mr. Francis 
West, Mr. Robert Ford, clerk of the council, 
with many others, went on board the bark. 

" The 29th of December they left Jamestown, 
being victualled only for three or four days. 
That night they lodged at Warrasqueake, where 
the president got sufficient provision. The king 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 139 

of that town did his utmost to divert him from 
seeing Powhatan ; but finding he could not pre- 
vail, he told them that Powhatan would use them 
kindly, although he had sent for them only to 
cut their throats. He therefore advised him not 
to trust him, and to be sure to give him no op- 
portunity of seizing his arms. The president 
thanked him for his good counsel; and having 
obtained guides from him to the Chowanocks, 
a nation dwelling in the fork of Chowan, between 
Nottoway and Meherrin rivers,, he sent Michael 
Sicklemore, a very valiant, honest, and painful 
soldier, with presents to that king; but chiefly 
to look for silk-grass, and to enquire after Sii 
Walter Raleigh's lost colony. The next night 
they lodged at Kicquotan, and were* detained 
there six or seven days by the extreme wind, 
rain, frost, and snow. This obliged them to 
keep their Christmas among the savages ; and 
they were never more merry in their lives, 
lodged by better fires, or fed wilh greater plenty 
of good bread, oysters, fish, flesh, and wild-fowl 
Departing thence, they arrived on the 12th of 
January, 1609, through various accidents, at 
Werowocomoco; where they found the river 
frozen near half a mile from the shore. But the 
president, running his barge up as far as he 
could by breaking the ice, was left by the ebb 
upon the oozy shoals. In this dangerous situa- 
tion, he plunged first into the river himself; and 
by his example, taught them to march near mid- 
dle deep, a flight-shot, near the frozen ooze. 
When the barge should float, he appointed two 



1-40 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

or three to return her aboard the hark, where 
they soon after came into such distress for want 
of water, that the river being saU, they were 
obhged to make fresh water by melting the ice. 
"The president and his company quartered in 
the next cabins they found, and sent to Pow- 
hatan for provisions. He sent them plenty of 
bread, turkey, and venison; and the next day 
feasted them after his usual manner. But he pre- 
tended he had not sent for them ; neither had he 
any corn, and his people much less; and soon 
began to be importunate with them to be gone. 
But the president confronting him with the per- 
sons who brought the message, he endeavored to 
put the matter off whh a laugh, and asked for his 
commodities. But he liked nothing except guns 
and swords, and valued a basket of corn higher 
than a basket of copper ; saying, he could rate his 
corn, but not the copper. Captain Smith, see- 
ing his intent, told him that had many ways to 
have got provisions, but relying on his promises, 
he had neglected all to satisfy his desire, and had 
sent his men to make his buildings, whilst his 
own were undone: that he knew he had en- 
grossed his people's corn, and forbid them to 
trade; thinking, by consuming time, to consume 
them: that as for swords and guns, he had none 
to spare ; and that he must know those he had 
could keep him from starving: Yet he would 
neither rob nor wrong him, nor dissolve that 
friendship they had mutually promised, unless 
constrained to it by bad usage. The king list- 
ened attentively to this discourse ; and promised 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 141 

that both he and his people should spare him 
what they could, and that they should receive 
it within two days. 'But,' says he, 'I have some 
doubt about the reason of your coming hither. 
I am informed from many hands that you come, 
not to trade, but to invade my people, and to 
possess my country. This makes me less ready 
to relieve you, and frightens my people from 
bringing in their corn. And therefore, to ease 
them of that fear, leave your arms aboard, since 
they are needless here, w^here we are all friends, 
and for ever Powhatans.' 

"In these, and many such insidious discourses, 
that day was spent. But Captain Smith after- 
wards discovered that the Germans whom he 
had sent to build Powhatan's house, finding his 
plenty and the wants of the English, and think- 
ing it scarce possible that they could escape both 
him and famine, had, to gain his favor, revealed 
to him all they knew of the state and designs of 
the English, and advised him how to counteract 
and prevent them'. And this treachery was the 
more odious and unsuspected, because the pres- 
ident had placed one of them as a spy upon 
Powhatan, being a man of judgment and resolu- 
tion, and therefore thought most proper for that 
employ. And as he was sure of his wages for 
his labor, and had ever been well used, both he 
and his countrymen, there was at that time 
little doubt concerning his honesty. But whilst 
they expected the coming in of the country, 
they wrangled Powhatan out of eighty bushels 
of corn for a copper kettle; which the president 



142 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF - 

seeing him much affect, he told him it was of 
much greater value, yet in regard of his scarcity, 
he would accept that quantity at present, pro- 
vided he should have as much more the next 
year, or the Manakin country. Both being 
satisfied with the condition, Powhatan began to 
expostulate the difference of peace and war, 
with Captain Smith, after this manner: 

"He told him, with a vanity usual to persons 
who affect to be thought very old, that he had 
seen the death of all his people thrice ; and that 
not one of these three generations was then 
living, except himself: That he knew the differ- 
ence of peace and war better than any in his 
country; That he was now grown old, and must 
die soon; and that the succession must descend, 
in order, to his brothers, Opitchapan, Opechan- 
canough, and Catataugh, and then to his two 
sisters, and their two daughters. He wished 
their experience was equal to his; and that 
Smith's love to them might be no less than his 
to Smith. He asked him why he would take 
that by force, which he might quickly have by 
love ? Why he would destroy them that provided 
him food? and what he could get by war? 
For they could hide their provisions, and fly 
into the woods ; and then he must consequently 
famish by wi'onging his friends. He desired to 
know the reason of his jealousy, since he saw 
them unarmed, and willing to supply his wants, 
if he would come in a friendly manner, and 
not with swords and guns, as to invade an 
enemy. And he told him that he was not so 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 143 

simple as not to know it was better to eat good 
meat, lie well, and sleep quietly with his women 
and children; to laugh and be merry with the 
English, and, being their friend, to have copper, 
hatchets, and whatever else he wanted; than to 
fly from all, to lie cold in the woods, feed upon 
acorns, roots, and such trash, and to be so hunted, 
that he could neither rest, eat, or sleep. In that 
circumstance, his tired men must watch, and if 
a twig did but break, all would be crying out, 
'Here comes Captain Smith!' and so, in this 
miserable manner to end his miserable life; 
which might likewise soon be Captain Smith's 
fate too, through his rashness and unadvisedness. 
He therefore earnestly exhorted him to peacea- 
ble counsels; and, above all, insisted that the 
guns and swords — the grand cause of their 
jealousy and uneasiness — should be removed and 
sent away. 

"To this crafty discourse the president re- 
plied: That it was the fashion of the English 
always to wear their arms like their clothes; 
and that they would, by no means, part with 
them: that his people came frequently to 
Jamestown, and were entertained with their 
bows and arrows without any exceptions: that 
if the English had intended him any hurt, they 
could long since have effected it, as was evi- 
dent to him and all the world, especially con- 
sidering the superiority of their arms: that 
although revenge was always in their power, 
yet, out of an inclination to mercy and friend- 
ship, they passed over the daily violations of the 



144 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

peace by his subjects: and as to hiding his pro- 
visions, and flying into the woods, he told him 
they should not so unadvised 1 3'^- starve as he 
imagined. For they had a rule to find things 
hidden, beyond his knowledge. After much 
more discourse, they at last began to trade. 
But the king, seeing that his will would not be 
admitted as a law, and that Smith was obstinate 
not to dismiss his guard or disarm his men, 
breathed out his mind once more in this man- 
ner, wnth a sigh : 

'"Captain Smith, I never use any werowance 
so kindly as yourself; yet from you I receive 
the least kindness of any. Captain Newport 
gave me swords, copper, clothes, or whatever 
else I desired, ever accepting what I offered him ; 
and would send away the guns when requested. 
No one refuses to lie at my feet, or do what I 
demand, but you only. Of you I can have 
nothing but what you value not, and yet you 
will have whatsoever you please. Captain New- 
port you call father, and so you call me ; but I 
see, in spite of us both, you will do what you 
will, and we must both study to humor and con- 
tent you. But if you intend so friendly as you 
say, send away your arms. For you see my 
undesigning simplicity and friendship cause me 
thus nakedly to forget myself 

" The president, perceiving that this barbarian 
only trifled the time to cut his throat, resolved 
to treat him in his own way. He therefore 
procured the Indians to break the ice, that his 
boat might come to fetch him and his corn; and 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 145 

at the same time gave order for more men to 
come ashore, to surprise the king. In the mean 
while, to protract the time, he endeavored to 
entertain him with much specious and fallacious 
dis'course, promising the next day to quit his 
arms, and to show, by trusting to his word, that 
he loved and confided in him as a father. But 
whilst the ice was breaking, Powhatan conveyed 
himself away, with his women, children, and 
luggage. Yet, to avoid suspicion, he left two or 
three of his women talking with the president, 
whilst he secretly ran off, and his men as 
secretly beset the house ; which being presently 
discovered, the president issued forth with his 
pistol, sword and target. At his first shot, those 
next him tumbled one over another; and the 
rest fled nimbly ofl^, some one way, some another. 
And thus, without any hurt, only accompanied 
with Mr. John Russel, he reached the main body 
of his men. But when the Indians perceived 
him so well escaped, they used their utmost art 
to excuse and dissemble the matter. Powhatan 
sent him a great bracelet and chain of pearl, by 
an ancient orator, who told him that their em- 
peror was fled for fear of his guns: that know- 
ing, when the ice was open, there would come 
more men ashore, he had sent those numbers 
whom he had assaulted only to guard his corn 
from being stole, which might happen without 
the president's knowledge: that although some 
were hurt by his mistake, yet Powhatan was 
still his friend, and for ever would continue so. 
And he desired, since the ice was open, that he 
13 



14G -LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

would send away his corn ; and, if he expected 
his company, that he would also send away his 
guns, which so frighted his people, that they 
were afraid to bring in their corn as he had 
promised they should. And then baskets being 
provided for the English to carry their corn to 
the boats, those Indians kindly offered their ser- 
vice to guard their arms lest they should be 
stolen. There was a great number of goodly, 
well-proportioned fellows, painted and grimmed 
like devils. But the very sight of the English 
cocking their matches, and being ready to charge, 
made them quit their bows and arrows at com- 
mand to the guard, and carry down the corn 
upon their backs. And there was no occasion 
to importune them to make dispatch. 

"But Powhatan and the Germans were still 
eager to have the head of Captain Smith. For 
if they could but kill him, they thought all would 
be their own. And therefore, the English being 
staid by the ebb till late within night, the king 
spent his time in making ready his forces to sur- 
prise the house and him at supper. But Poca- 
hontas, in a very dark and dismal night, came 
alone through the woods, and told the president 
that great cheer would be sent them soon ; but 
that Powhatan, with all the power he could 
make, would come after to kill them all, if those 
who brought the victuals could not effect it with 
their own arms while they were at supper. And 
therefore, as they tendered their lives she ad- 
vised them to be gone. The president would 
have given her such things as he knew she de- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SBIITH. 147 

lighted in; but, with tears running down her 
cheeks, she refused them, saying she durst not 
be seen to have any of them ; for should her 
father know it, it would be certain and imme- 
diate death to her. And so she ran away by her- 
self as she came. Within less than an hour after 
came eight or ten lusty fellows, with large platters 
of venison and other victuals, and they were very 
importunate with the English to put out their 
matches, pretending their smoke made them sick. 
But the president made them taste of every dish; 
and then sent some of them back to Powhatan, 
to bid him make haste, for he was ready for his 
coming. Soon after came more messengers, to 
see what news ; and not long after them, others. 
And thus was the time spent, with equal vigil- 
ancy on both sides, but without any further hurt. 
At high water the English departed; but, to 
oblige Powhatan, they left him, at his request, 
Edward Brynt on to kill him fowl, and the Ger- 
mans, who were yet unsuspected, to finish his 
house. 

" They had no sooner set sail, but Powhatan 
returned, and sent two of the Germans to James- 
town. They pretended to Captain Wynne that 
all things were well, and that the president had 
occasion for their arms ; and therefore they de- 
sired new ones, with some spare tools, and shift 
of apparel, all which were readily granted them. 
During their loitering there, by the promise of 
Powhatan's favor, and of an exemption from the 
miseries which would certainly happen to the 
colony, they drew over to their confederacy six 



148 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

or seven more, such expert thieves, as presently- 
furnished them with fifty swords, eight muskets, 
eight pikes, and powder and shot, which were 
speedily conveyed away by Indians at hand for 
that purpose. The other German Powhatan 
kept as a pledge, whose diligence provided him 
with three hundred tomahawks, or Indian hatch- 
ets. In the mean time, Edward Brynton and 
Thomas Savage, seeing the Germans so diligent 
to accommodate the Indians with arms, attempted 
to make their escape to Jamestown. But they 
were apprehended and brought back, and ex- 
pected every minute to be put to death. 

" The president and the rest, being arrived at 
Pamunkey, were entertained some days by the 
king, with great feasting and mirth. The day 
appointed to begin their trade, he went ashore 
with Lieutenant Percy, Mr. West, Mr. Russel, 
Mr. Behethland, Mr. Croshaw, Mr. Powel, Mr. 
Ford and others, to the number of fifteen; and 
going up to Opechancanough's house, a quarter 
of a mile from the river, they found nothing but 
a lame fellow and a boy, and all the houses 
round abandoned and stripped of every thing. 
They stayed not long before the king came, and 
after him several of his people loaded with bows 
and arrows. But their commodities were so 
trifling, and those held at such a rate, that the 
president began with the king, and said, that the 
professions of his tongue were proved by his 
actions to be mere deceit: that last year he 
kindly freighted his vessel, but had now treach- 
erously invited him, with a view to famish and 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. , 149 

destroy him: that as the king was not ignorant 
of his wants, so neither was he of the king's 
plenty, of which, by some means, he must have 
part. And he told him it was highly proper and 
decent for kings, above all others, to keep their 
promise. And therefore, showing his commodi- 
ties, he offered him his choice, and the rest, he 
said, he would proportion in fit bargains for his 
people. Opechancanough seemed kindly to ac- 
cept his ofl^er; and the better to color his designs 
sold them what they had at their own price, 
promising the next day more company better 
provided. 

"The next day, the president, with the same 
fifteen, marched up to the king's house, where 
they found four or five men newly arrived, with 
each a great basket. Soon after came the king, 
and putting on a strained cheerfulness he enter- 
tained them in discourse, about the great pains 
he had been taking to keep his promise, till Mr. 
Russel brought in news that at least seven hun- 
dred Indians, well armed, had environed the 
house, and beset the fields. The president, see- 
ing some of the company greatly dismayed at 
the thought of such a multitude, told them that 
he was less concerned at the danger and number 
of the enemy, than at the malicious representa- 
tions which the council and their open-mouthed 
minions would make to England of his breaking 
the peace: that he alone was once assaulted by 
three hundred; and had it not been for an acci- 
dent, would have 4xiade his way good among 
them all ; that they were now sixteen, and the 
13* 



150 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

enemy but seven hundred at the most. And 
therefore he desired them to fight like men, and 
not die hke sheep. For if they dared to follow 
his example, and to do as he did, he doubted not, 
by God's assistance, to extricate them out of the 
present difficulty and danger. The time not 
permitting any argument, they all cheerfully 
vowed to execute whatever he attempted or die. 
But that they might not fight for nothing, or be 
even ruined and starved by their victory, the 
president told Opechancanough that he saw his 
plot to murder him, but he feared it not: that 
their men had done no harm but by their direc- 
tions: that therefore, if each of his men would 
bring a basket of corn, he would stake against it 
the value in copper, and they two would go over 
into the island in the river against that place, 
and decide the matter by single combat: that he 
should have his choice, and all advantage of 
weapons: and that the conqueror should have 
all, and be lord and master over all their men. 

"But duelling in the fair and open field is not 
the manner of the Indians. Their chief valor 
consists in way-laying and murdering the unsus- 
pecting and unprovided, or perhaps the weak 
and helpless. Neither had Opechancanough 
such regard for the lives of his subjects, as to 
save them from danger at the hazard of his own. 
He therefore kindly endeavored to appease the 
president's anger and suspicion by a present at 
the door, which he entreated him to accept. 
This was only to draw him out, where the bait 
was guarded with two hundred men, besides 



■ CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 151 

thirty which lay behind a great tree, fallen across, 
with each his arrow notched, ready to shoot. 
But the president, having discovered the treach- 
ery, seized the king, in the midst of his men, by 
his long lock of hair, and presented his pistol, 
ready cocked, to his breast. Thus he led him, 
trembling and half dead with fear, among his 
people, who were easily induced to throw down 
their arms, and to deliver the king's vambrace, 
[shield] bow, and aiTows; little dreaming that 
any one durst to use their king in that manner. 
And now Opechancanough, to rescue himself, 
bestowed his presents in serious sadness, and 
his subjects, being upbraided and threatened by 
the president in a smart and angry speech, mixed 
with some expressions of love and confidence, 
cast away their bows and arrows, and men, 
women, and children brought in their commodi- 
ties. For two or three hours they so thronged 
and wearied him, that he retired into the house 
to rest, leaving others to trade and receive their 
presents. Whilst he was asleep, fifty of their 
choice men, with each an English sword or club 
in his hand, and seconded by two or three hun- 
dred more, pressed into the house to murder 
him. But the president, being waked from his 
sleep by the noise of the people and shaking of 
the house, betook himself to his arms, together 
with Mr. Croshaw and some others, which soon 
made them throng back faster than they came. 
But Opechancanough and some of his ancients, 
who were kept prisoners with him, endeavored, 
in a long oration, to excuse this intrusion. The 



152 I.IFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

rest of the day was spent with much kmdness, 
the Indians renewing their presents, and feast- 
ing the English with their best provisions. 

"While these things were transacting, there 
happened an unlucky accident at the fort. Mr. 
Scrivener had received letters from England, 
which gave him towering thoughts, and made 
him decline entirely in his affection and friend- 
ship to Captain Smith, who still regarded and 
loved him as his brother. This made him more 
headstrong and conceited than was naturally 
consistent with his prudence and moderation; 
and having taken it into his head to visit Hog- 
Island, he could not be turned from it by the 
advice and repeated entreaties of Captain Waldo 
and several others. Therefore, taking with him 
Captain Waldo, who was not to be absent from 
the fort, but to be ready to second the president, 
if called for, and Mr. Anthony Gosnold, a very 
worthy, honest, and industrious gentleman, and 
brother to Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, with 
eight others, he went into the skiff. She was 
so overloaded that she scarce could have lived 
in calm weallier; but, in that cold and boisterous 
day, she sunk, none knowing how or where, and 
all aboard were drowned. To advertise the 
president of this heavy news, none could be got, 
till Mr. Richard WyfRn undertook it alone. He 
was encountered with many dangers and diffi- 
culties in all places as he passed. And at Wero- 
wocomoco, not finding the president, and per- 
ceiving such preparations for war, he was cer- 
tainly assured that sorne mischief was intended. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMtTII. 153 

But Pocahontas hid him for a time, and sent 
those who pursued him quite the contrary way. 
At length by her means and extraordinary bribes 
and trouble, in three-day's travel he found the 
president at Pamunkey, in the midst of those 
broils and difRculties. The president, havirtg 
sworn him to conceal this unhappy news from 
the company, and dissembling his sorrow with 
the best countenance he could, went safely 
aboard at night, and left Opechancanough at 
liberty according to his promise, and likewise 
with a design the better to entrap Powhatan in 
his return. Soon after he went down the river, 
having searched the countries of Youghtanund 
(now Pamunkey River) and Mattaponey, where 
the poor creatures imparted the little corn they 
had, with such complaints and tears from the 
eyes of women and children as fully satisfied and 
moved them with compassion. 

" Powhatan had threatened death to his men 
if they did not, by some means or other, kill 
Captain Smith; but they hated fighting with 
him almost as bad as hanging; and the presi- 
dent, on his side, was as eager to surprise and 
take that subtle and perfidious barbarian. There- 
fore, in his way down the river, there were many 
feints and stratagems on both parts, but without 
any remarkable effect: only the president, with 
Mr. West, and some others, would have been 
poisoned, had their art been equal to their will. 
It only made them sick, and so worked itself off. 
And thus, through many dangers and difficulties, 
they returned to Jamestown, where they deliv- 



154 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

ered near 200 lbs. of deer's suet, and 479 bush- 
els of corn to the cape merchant. 

"At Jamestown they found nothing done, but 
their provisions spent, and a great part of their 
tools and arms conveyed to the Indians. But 
although what was left by the ship was so rot- 
ten with the rain, and so mangled by the rats 
and worms, that the hogs would scarcely eat it; 
yet, upon casting up their store, they found a 
sufficient provision for the year. Wherefore, 
the fear of starving being laid aside, the com- 
pany was ranged into proper divisions, and six 
hours each day spent in work, the rest in pas- 
time and merry exercises. And the president, 
having called them together, told them that their 
late experience and misery were sufficient to 
persuade every one to a present amendment: 
that they must not think that either his pains or 
the adventurers' purses would for ever maintain 
them in sloth and idleness: that he knew many 
deserved more honor and a better reward than 
was yet to be had ; but that far the greater part 
of them must be more industrious or starve: 
that it was not reasonable that the labors of 
thirty or forty honest and industrious men should 
be consumed to maintain an hundred and fiity 
loiterers:^ and that therefore every one that 
would not work should not eat; that they had 
often been screened and protected in their dis- 
obedience to his just and necessary commands, 
by the authority of the council: but that now, 
all being either dead or gone except Captain 
Wynne and himself, that whole power rested, in 



CAPTAiX JOIIX SMITH. ]C5 

effect, solely in him. And therefore he advised 
them not to feed themselves up w^ith the vain 
presumption that his authority was but a shadow, 
and that his life must answer for theirs. For 
the letters patent and other powers would prove 
the contrary ; and should every week be read to 
them, and every one that offended might as- 
suredly expect his due punishment. He also 
made a table as a public memorial of each man's 
deserts, to encourage the good and to spur on 
the rest by shame. By this many became very 
industrious ; but more were driven to their busi- 
ness by punishment, and the president's extra- 
ordinary vigor and diligence. 
, "As they came down Pamunkey (since called 
York River) off Werowocomoco, the president 
had sent Mr. Croshaw and Mr. Ford to James- 
town by land. In their way, they met four or 
five of the Germans' confederates going to Pow- 
hatan ; who, to clear themselves from those gen- 
tlemen's suspicion that they were running to the 
Indians, returned with them to the fort and there 
continued. But the Germans, to know the 
reason of their stay, sent one of their company, 
a stout young fellow, disguised like an Indian, 
to the glass-house. This stood in the woods, 
about a mile from Jamestown, and was the 
common place of rendezvous for all their secret 
villany. The president, hearing of this, imme- 
diately sent to apprehend this German. But he 
being gone, he dispatched twenty good shot 
after, to intercept him in his I'eturn to Powhatan. 
They soon brought him back, and notwithstand- 



156 LIFE AXD AI)Vi:\Ti;UES OF 

ing his fair tale and plausible excuses, he was 
thrown into prison. However, the president 
spared his life, hoping thereby to regain his 
countrymen. 

"Captain Smith, having sent all his men after 
the German, returned from the glass-house alone, 
armed only with a faucheon. In his way he 
met the king of Paspahey, a man of great 
strength and gigantic stature. At first he en- 
deavored to draw the president into his ambus- 
cade; but failing in that, he attempted to shoot 
him; but Smitlil to prevent it, closed in and 
grappled with him; and the Indian, by mere 
dint of strength, bore him into the river, with 
a design to drown him. Long they struggled 
in the water, till the president got such hold of 
his throat that he almost strangled him. And 
then, having disengaged himself, so as to draw 
his faucheon, the poor savage begged his life in 
such a pitiful manner, that he led him to James- 
town, and put him into chains, where he con- 
tinued for some time, till by the negligence of 
his keepers he escaped. Some endeavors were 
used to retake him, but without effect; only the 
president took two Indians prisoners, Kemps 
and Tussore, the two most exquisite villains in 
all the country. These men would have be- 
trayed both king and kindred for a piece of cop- 
per; and had Captain Wynne and Lieutenant 
Percy, who were sent upon the business with 
fifty men, followed their directions, they would 
certainly have regained the king, and been fully 
revenged for the injury and assault. However, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 157 

that this might not encourage them to farther 
boldness, they attacked and slew several of the 
nation, burnt their houses, took their canoes 
and fishing weirs, and planted some of them at 
Jamestown, and were resolved to prosecute 
them with war till they were fully humbled and 
subdued. 

" Not long after, the president passing to Pas- 
pahey, in his way to Chickahominy, was as- 
saulted by them. . But as soon as they knew 
him, they all threw down their arms and sued 
for peace. Their spokesman was a lusty young 
fellow, named Okaning, whose discourse well 
deserves to be remembered. He told the presi- 
dent, that the king, his master, was there pres- 
ent in the company: that they took him for 
Captain Wynne, who pursued them in war, 
although they had never injured him : that if 
the king offended him in escaping from prison, 
he ought to consider, that the fishes swim, the 
fowls fly, and the very beasts strive to escape 
the snare and live: that therefore, his master, 
who was a man, ought not to be blamed for 
following this necessary instinct of nature, even 
in brute animals. He reminded him of the 
pains his master took to save his life when a 
prisoner; and if he had since injured him he was 
compelled to it, and it had, however, been 
already fully revenged to their too great loss. 
And he further told him, if he still persisted in 
his resolution to destroy them, they must aban- 
don their habitations, and settle somewhere be- 
yond his reach, which would only cost them 
14 



158 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

I more labor, but would be of worse consequence 
; to the English, who could not well subsist with- 
! out their corn . and fruits. And therefore he 
i earnestly entreated him to grant them his fi'iend- 
I ship, and to permit them to enjoy their houses, 
j and plant their fields in peace and security. 
i Concluding that if he would promise them peace, 
' they would trust to his word; but if he pro- 
ceeded in his revenge, they would quit the 
I countr3\ Whereupon the president promised 
them peace, if they would do no further injury, 
, and would bring in provisions to the fort; to 
which they joyfully agreed, and parted good 
' friends,"* and so continued till Smith left the 
country. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Effects of Smith's Intrepidity — Benefits of some Pretended 
Miracles — Encourag-ing- Spirit of the Settlers — Ravag-es of 
the Rats — New Quarters necessary for Subsistence — Evils 
of Insolence asrain Prevalent — Deserters returned by the 
Indians — Expedition to the Mangoags : their Friendship — 
Villany of Volday — Indig-naiion of the People — Course of 
Powhatan — Arrival of Argall. 

The intrepidity of Smith struck a dread into 
the savages, and they began to believe what he 
had often told them, that, "his God would pro- 
tect him against all their power, whilst he kept 
his promise ; which was to preserve peace with 
them as long as they should refrain from hostili- 

* Stith's History of Virginia. 






CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 159 

ties, and continue to supply him with corn."— 
An incident which occurred about the same 
time, confirmed their veneration for him. An In- 
dian having stolen a pistol from Jamestown, two 
brothers who were known to be his companions 
were seized, and one was held as hostage for the 
other, who was to return in twelve hours with the 
pistol, or the prisoner was to be hanged. The 
weather being cold, achai'coal fire was kindled in 
the dungeon, which was very close, and the va- 
por had so suffocated the prisoner, that on the 
return of his brother at the appointed time, with 
the pistol, he was taken out as dead. The faithful 
savage lamented his fate in the most distressing 
agony. Smith, to console him, promised, if they 
would steal no more, that he should be recovered. 
On the application of spirits and vinegar, he 
showed signs of life, but appeared delirious; 
this grieved the bi'other as much as his death. 
Smith undertook to cure him of this also, on the 
repetition of the promise to steal no more. The 
delirium being only the effect of the spirits which 
he had swallowed, was remedied by a few hours' 
sleep; and being dismissed, with a present of 
copper, they went away, believing and reporting 
that Smith was able to bring the dead to life. 

On another occasion, an Indian at Werowo- 
comoco, who had stolen a large bag of powder, 
attempted to display his skill among his compan- 
ions by drying it over a fire on the back of a 
piece of armour, as he had seen the soldiers do 
at Jamestown. Many stood peeping over his 
shoulder to watch his operations, when it sud- 



160 LIFfi AND ADVEXTURES OF 

denly exploded; killing him and two more, and 
badly scorching and mangling several others. 
This was a source of no less dread than astonish- 
ment, as it was wholly attributed to the power 
and art of the English ; and, coupled with other 
occurrences equally beyond their comprehension, 
so frightened Powhatan and his people, that they 
flocked from all parts, returning many stolen 
articles which had never been demanded, or 
even missed, and proffering all sorts of presents 
to secure their peace. 

During the remainder of Smith's administi'a- 
tion (so punctilious was Powhatan in sending 
all thieves to Jamestown for punishment, and so 
great was their fear of detection by means of 
the English sorcerers), robberies were of rare 
occurrence, and the whole country became as 
free and safe to the settlers as to the Indians. 
In fact, the right spirit seemed to pervade all the 
operations then undertaken, which were pursued 
for a time with alacrity and success. "They 
made three or four last of tar, pitch, and soap- 
ashes ; produced a trial of glass; sunk a well in 
the fort, of excellent water, which till then was 
njuch wanted; built about twenty houses; newly 
covered the church; provided nets and weirs 
for fishing; and, to stop the disorders of the 
thieves and Indians, they built a block-house in 
the neck of the island to receive the trade of the 
Indians; and none, neither Indian nor Christian, 
was suffered to pass or repass without the presi- 
dent's order. Thirty or forty acres of ground 
were broke up and planted. Of three sows, in 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 161 

eighteen months, increased sixty odd pigs; and 
near five hundred chickens brought up them- 
selves, without having any thing given them. 
But the hogs were transported to Hog-island; 
where also was built a blockhouse, with a gar- 
rison, to give notice of any ships; and for their 
exercise at leisure times, they made clapboard 
and wainscot. In this time died Captain Wynne ; 
so that the government devolved wholly upon 
the president, as it had before in effect done by 
his having two voices in the council. 

" But this flow of plenty and prosperity lasted 
not long; for, upon examination, they found half 
their corn rotten, and the rest consumed by rats; 
which, coming originally from the ships, had in- 
creased to incredible multitudes; so that all 
works were intermitted, and the people suffi- 
ciently employed to get provisions. But at first 
the Indians, to express their love, brought in an 
hundred a-da}' at least of squirrels, turkies, deer, 
and other wild beasts ; and Powhatan spared 
them near half his stock of corn. But the pres- 
ident was nevertheless obliged to detach sixty or 
eighty down the river, to live upon oysters. 
Twenty were sent to the falls with Mr. West; 
and as many more with Lieutenant Percy to 
Point Comfort, to try for a fishery. But he 
being very sick, and sorely burnt with gunpow- 
der, they would not agree in six weeks once to 
cast their net. Many were billetted among the 
neighbouring Indians, who knew that they had 
such a commanding power at Jamestown, 
that thev durst not wrong them in the least. 
^14* 



162 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

And in all this time of distress, they caught 
more sturgeon than could be devoured by man 
and dog. Tliis the industrious, drying and 
pounding, would mingle with cavaire, sorrel, and 
wholesome herbs, and make bread and good 
meat. Others would gather as much tuckahoe- 
root in a day, as would make them bread for a 
week, so that upon these wild^ products, and 
what they caught, the diligent lived very well 
and plentifully. 

"Yet such was the insufferable sloth and un- 
reasonable perverseness of far the greater num- 
ber, that they would sooner have perished than 
have been at the pains to gather food ; and they 
were even importunate with the president to sell 
their tools and iron — nay, their swords and fire- 
locks, and their very houses and ordnance — to 
the Indians for this trash. And they took occa- 
sion from hence, in a very turbulent and clam- 
orous manner, to insist on the necessity of leaving 
the country. But the president, having punished 
one of the worst and tnost seditious among them, 
called the rest together, and represented to them 
the extreme folly and iniquity of their proceed- 
ings ; and he told them that if any more were found 
attempting to run away to Newfoundland with 
the bark, they might assuredly expect the gal- 
lows as their fate: that he never had more from 
the store than the worst of them; for they well 
knew and saw that his extraordinary allowance 
as president was constantly distributed among 
the sick: and, since he found necessity had not 
power to force them to gather the fruits of the 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 1G3 

earth, he was resolved that they should gather, 
not only for themselves, but also for the sick; 
and that whosoever should not gather every day 
as much as he himself did, should the next day 
be set beyond the river, and banished from the 
fort as a drone. This order raised a great 
clamor and outcry ; but it made most of them 
bestir themselves so well, that they had plenty 
of food to eat, and continued very healthy and 
strong. Yet many of them, understanding how 
well they were used that were billetted among 
the Indians, ran away to Kemps and Tussore, 
their old prisoners. But Kemps first made him- 
self sport with them, showing his countrymen 
how he was used when a prisoner, and feeding 
them upon this condition, that they who would 
not work, should not eat ; and then he^ carried 
them back by force to the president. 

"This deterred many others who intended to 
follow; and made them content rather to labor 
at home than venture among the Indians. For 
the kings and better sort of that people were so 
afraid, or so friendiv, that when the English pun- 
ished some of their baser sort with great sever- 
ity, they would hire them not to tell it to their 
kings or countrymen, lest they should punish 
them again, and send them to Jamestown, to 
give full satisfaction to the president. 

"About this time, Mr. Sicklemore returned 
from Chawanock; but without any information 
of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost company, or satis- 
factory account of the silk-grass ; and the pres- 
ident, to pursue a point thought so necessary by 



1G4 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the council in England, sent off Mr. Nathaniel 
Powell and Anas Todkill to the Mangoags, a 
nation of Indians, not subject to Powhatan, 
dwelling on the upper branches of Nottoway, 
or some small streams of Roanoke river. He 
obtained guides from the king of the Quiyough- 
quohanocks, a small nation of Indians, seated on 
the south side of James river, about ten miles 
above Jamestown. This good king did ever 
affect the English above all others; and although 
he was very zealous to his false gods, yet he 
confessed that the English God as much exceeded 
his as their guns did his bow and arrows; and 
in time of drought, he would often send presents 
to Captain Smith, to pray to his god for rain. 
His guides conducted Powell and Todkill, three 
days' journey, into a high country, towards the 
south-west, where they saw, here and there, a 
cornfield, by some little spring or small brook, 
but no large river. The people were, in all 
respects, like the rest, except their language. 
They lived chiefly by hunting, and on fruits and 
roots; and they trafficked their skins with those 
towards the sea and fatter countries for dried 
fish and corn. But neither did they here, or 
ever after, hear any thing of this colony left by 
Mr. White in the year 1587, on one of the 
islands of Hatteras. 

"All this while, they employed one William 
Volday, a Zwitzer, by promises and pardons to 
reclaim his countrymen, the Germans, and one 
Bentley, another fugitive. But this vile hypo- 
crite, pretending highly to detest their villany, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 1G5 

hereby got an opportunity to convey them every 
thing they wanted to effect their projects and 
destroy their colony. With much devotion they 
looked for the Spaniard, to v^^hom they were 
willing and intended to do good service; and 
finding the English were obliged to disperse 
themselves to gather food, they importuned 
Powhatan to lend them his forces; and they 
undertook, not only to destroy the hogs, fire the 
town, and seize on the bark, but to bring most 
of the colony to his service and subjection. 
This scheme was communicated to many of 
their confederates at the fort; but two, whose 
hearts relented at the horror of the act, revealed 
it to the president. He ordered them to keep it 
still a secret, and to draw them into such am- 
buscades as he had prepared. But the thing 
taking air, and coming to the ears of the impa- 
tient multitude, they were outrageous to go and 
destroy them immediately. Lieutenant Percy 
and Mr. John Codrington, two gentlemen of 
high and resolute spirits, offered their service to 
go to Werowocomoco, and to cut their throats 
before the face of Powhatan. But the president 
cared not to hazard such persons, for whom he 
had other employment; and gave way to Mr. 
Wyffin and Serjeant Jeffery Abbot, to under- 
take the matter. But the Germans so blinded 
Abbot with a fair tale, that he relented; and 
Wyffin, though willing, cared not to attempt it 
alone. When Powhatan understood their busi- 
ness, he sent immediately to the president, to 
inform him that he neither detained them nor 



166 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

hindered his men from executing his command; 
for he neither did nor would maintain them, or 
any other, to his displeasure. But although 
these treacherous foreigners did all they could 
to raise and incense Powhatan and the Indians 
against the English, yet such exact intelligence 
had Captain Smith of their plots, that their ma- 
chinations were his greatest advantage and 
security. And if any commotion had happened, 
he always had it in his power to take revenge; 
for all the country now stood more in fear of 
him than of Powhatan ; and he had such parties 
among the bordering nations that, out of love or 
fear, they would have done any thing he com- 
manded. However, not long after, one of the 
Germans returned to his duty, but the other 
still remained with Powhatan. 

"Whilst these things were passing, Captain 
Samuel Argall arrived, who was afterwards an 
active person here, and a noted governor of the 
country. He came la truck with the colony, 
and to fish for sturgeon, with a ship well fur- 
nished with wine and other good provision. 
This was, at that time, a prohibited trade; but 
he being a kinsman to Sir Thomas Smith the 
treasurer, it was connived at and overlooked. 
The necessities of the colony obliged them to 
take his provisions, by which his voyage was 
lost; but they revictualled him, when their next 
supply arrived, and sent him to England with a 
full account of the state of their affairs. By 
this ship they received letters, which taxed the 
president for his hard usage of the natives, and 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 1G7 

for not returning the ships freighted. And now 
also they first had an account of the alterations 
in England, and of the great preparations and 
large supply, to be sent by the Lord Delaware, 
appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief 
of Virginia."* 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The old Charter and OiEcers superseded — Extensive Fleet, 
with Reinforcements — Shipwreck of the new Governors — 
Arrival of the Fleet — Surprise of Smith — Troublesome Fac- 
tions — Character of the new Recruits — Fate of the Germans 
and Volday — Vip'orous Measures of Smith — Imprisonment 
of the Factious Leaders — Attempts at New Settlements — 
More Difficulties with the Indians — Purchase of Powhatan 
— Mutiny agrainst Smith : his Escape — Complaints of the 
Indians: their Revenjre — IN'onsuch founded and abandoned 
— Severe Accident to Smith : his Return to England neces- 
sary : Peculiarities of his Situation: his Character. 

The fiiilure of the settlers to realize the ex- 
pectations of the Company in England, led to 
the cancelling of the old charter, and the grant- 
ing of a new one, with greatly enlarged powers, 
and including several men of wealth and influ- 
ence, who had previously stood aloof from lack 
of confidence. An expedition, consisting of 
nine ships and five hundred settlers, was dis- 
patched, under Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George 
Somers, and Captain Newport, each of whom 
was furnished with a commission as governor, 
and authorized to recall the commission formerly 
* Stith's Histoiy of Virginia. 



168 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

granted — the first arriving, to assume the office 
"But because they could not agree for place, it 
was concluded that they should all go in one 
ship, called the Sea- Venture. They sailed from 
England the latter end of May, 1609; but the 
25th of July, the admiral-ship was parted from 
the rest of the fleet, by the tail of a hurricane, 
having on board the three commanders, an hun- 
dred and fifty men, their new commission, and 
bills of lading, together with all manner of in- 
structions and directions, and the best part of 
their provisions. She arrived not, but was 
foundered on Bermudas, as shall be hereafter 
related. A small ketch likewise perished in the 
hurricane; but the seven other ships came safe. 
In them, as captains, came Ratcliffe, (whose 
right name, as is said, was Sicklemore) Martin, 
and Archer, with Captain Wood, Captain Webbe, 
Captain Moon, Captain King, Captain Davies, 
Mr. Ralph Hamer, and divers other gentlemen, 
of good fortune and eminent birth. The presi- 
dent, being informed by his scouts of the arrival 
of this fleet, little dreamed of such a supply, but 
supposed them, at first, to be Spaniards. He 
therefore put himself into the best posture of^ 
defence he could; and being seconded by the 
Indians, (who, upon this occasion, showed their 
friendship, and prepared, with great alacrity, to 
assist the English with their utmost power) they 
thought themselves so well provided for the re- 
ception of an enemy, that they little feared 
their coming. 

" Ratcliffe, Martin, and Archer, had bred 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 169 

much disturbance at sea, and had paved the way 
for being even more troublesome ashore. For 
they had infused such jealousies and prejudices 
into the company against Captain Smith, that 
they mortally hated him before they had ever 
seen him. But several of better sense and ex- 
perience among them, from their first landing, 
hearing the general good report of his old sol- 
diers, and seeing the prudence and uprightness 
of his actions^ were soon undeceived, and saw 
into the malice of Ratcliffe and his faction. 
They therefore left their society, and ever ad- 
hered to Captain Smith as his firm and faithful 
friends. But a great part of this new company 
consisted of unruiy sparks packed off by their 
friends, to escape worse destinies at home. And 
the rest were chiefly made up of poor gentle- 
men, broken tradesmen, rakes and libertines, 
footmen, and such others as were much fitter to 
spoil or ruin a commonwealth, than to help to 
raise or maintain one. This lewd company 
therefore were led by their seditious captains 
into many gross mischiefs and extravagancies. 
They assumed to themselves the power of dis- 
posing of the government; and conferred it 
sometimes on one and sometimes on another. 
To-day, the old commission must rule ; to-mor- 
row, the new; and next day, neither. So that 
all was anarchy and distraction; neither were 
there any hopes,' from the present posture of 
affairs, but of the utmost misery and confusion. 
"The German also that had returned to the 
English, seeing this distracted state of things, 
15 



170 LIFE AND ADVENTUKES OF 

and hoping for some advantage from it, fled 
again, with one of his consorts, to Powhatan, 
to whom he promised wonders at the arrival of 
Lord Delaware. But that sensible barbarian, 
knowing the wickedness and perfidy of their 
nature, replied, that they who would have be- 
trayed Captain Smith, to him, would certainly 
betray him to this great lord, to make their 
peace; and so he wisely ordered his men to beat 
out their brains. But Volday, the Zvvitzer, 
made a shift to get to England, where, persuad- 
ing the merchants what rich mines he had found, 
and what services he would do them, he was 
well rewarded, and sent back with the Lord 
Delaware. But being found a mere impostor, 
he died in a most contemned and miserable 
manner. 

"Captain Smith, all this time of turbulency and 
distraction, was sadly troubled and perplexed 
how to proceed. At first, finding his authority 
thus unexpectedly cancelled and changed, he 
resolved to leave all, and return for England. 
But afterwards, seeing there was little hope of 
the arrival of this new commission, and that his 
own was not legally superseded but by the actual 
production of another, he determined to bear up, 
and to act with vigor and resolution. He there- 
fore set himself, with great courage, and the per- 
petual hazard of his life, to oppose this torrent 
of faction and immorality; and at last so far 
mastered it, that he cast Ratcliffe, Archer, and 
the other chiefs, into prison, till he had more 
leisure to bring them to a fair and legal trial. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 171 

And the better to dissipate the humofs, and to 
break the confederacies, he sent Mr. West with 
an hundred and twenty the best he could choose 
to make a settlement at the falls ; and Martin, 
with near the same number, to Nansamond; 
allowing each their due proportion of all the 
provisions, according to their number. And 
now the year of his presidency being near ex- 
pired, he made Captain Martin, who was become 
more tractable, president in his room. But 
P.Iartin, knowing his own insufficiency, and the 
people's unruliness and little regard for him, 
within three hours resigned it again to Captain 
Smith. For as RatclifFe had been removed from 
the council, and was not again restored, Martin 
and Smith were the onl)' two then in the coun- 
try that could either elect or be elected president , 
and Martin, having thus wisely disengaged him- 
self from an office which he was then no ways 
able to execute or support, proceeded to make 
his settlement at Nansamond. The nation, 
having been reduced to subjection and contribu- 
tion, used him kindly: yet such were his unrea- 
sonable jealousy and fear, that he surprised the 
poor naked king, and his monuments and houses, 
with the island wherein he lived, and there for- 
tified himself. But the Indians soon perceiving 
his fear and distraction, ventured to assault him : 
and they killed several of his men, released their 
king, and gathered and carried off a thousand 
bushels of corn; whilst he, in the mean while, 
never once offered to intercept them, but sent 
to the president, then at the falls, for thirty sol- 



172 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

diers. These were presently sent him from 
Jamestown. But he so employed them that 
they did nothing, and soon retm'ned, complaining 
of his tenderness and cowardice ; and he like- 
wise, leaving his company to their fortunes, 
came away with them to Jamestown. 

" The president followed the other company 
up to the falls to see them well seated. But he 
was surprised in his way to meet Captain West 
so soon returning to Jamestown; and he found 
the settlement very inconsiderately made, in a 
place not only liable to the river's inundation, 
but also subject to many other intolerable incon- 
veniencies. To remedy which, he immediately 
sent to Powhatan, to purchase the place called 
Powhatan. The conditions of their agreement 
were these : that the English should defend him 
against the Manakins; that he should resign to 
them the fort and the houses, with all that coun- 
try, for a proportion of copper; that all thieves 
should be sent thither, to receive their punish- 
ment ; that every house, as a custom, should pay 
the president a bushel of corn for an inch square 
of copper, and a certain quantity of pocones to 
King James for their protection ; and that they 
should barter what else they could spare at their 
best discretion. But Captain West's company 
depended so much on the lord-general's new 
commission, that they regarded no person or 
thing. And supposing the Manakins' country 
reached to the South Sea, and was all gold, they 
pleased themselves with the vain conceit that it 
was entirely under their power and command, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 173 

and that none should go thither but whom they 
pleased. They therefore rejected the president 
with insolence and contempt. However, he 
ventured, with five men, to land among them; 
and committed the heads of the mutiny to prison, 
till, by their numbers, they obliged him to retire-. 
In making off, he happily surprised one of their 
boats, with which he returned to the ship ; and 
had not the mariners proved very tractable and 
faithful to him, he had small means and little 
probability of escaping their fury. 

"The Indians also came to him, complaining, 
that he had brought them, for protectors, worse 
enemies than the Manakins themselves; that 
they stole their corn, robbed their gardens, broke 
open their houses, beat them, and kept several 
in prison ; and that, till then, they had borne all 
this out of love to him, but desired pardon if 
hereafter they defended themselves. They like- 
wise offered him their assistance, and to fight 
for him against them, if he would lead them on. 
But having spent nine days, to no purpose, in 
endeavoring to reclaim them, he departed for 
Jamestown. The ship was no sooner under sail, 
but twelve Indians assaulted those hundred and 
twenty in their fort. And finding many strag- 
gling abroad in the woods, they killed some, and 
so frightened the rest that their countrymen in 
prison escaped, and they went safely off with 
the swords and cloaks of those they had slain. 
But before the ship had sailed half a league she 
grounded, which gave the president an oppor- 
tunity of summoning them once more to a par- 
15^ 



174 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

ley. And now he found them so amazed with 
that silly assault of the Indians, that they sur- 
rendered themselves, upon any terms, to his 
mercy. He therefore laid six or seven of the 
chief offenders by the heels, and seated the rest 
at Powhatan, the strongest and best place he 
had seen in the country, and for that reason they 
called it Nonsuch. Here they had dry houses 
for lodgings, near two hundred acres of land, 
cleared and ready for planting, with a savage 
fort ready built, and prettily ibrtified with poles 
and barks of trees, and sufficient to have de- 
fended them against all the Indians in the coun- 
try. He likewise appeased the Indians, making 
restitution and satisfaction to each party for 
their former losses and damages. 

"And now, new officers being appointed, and 
the president ready to depart, just at thai instant 
arrived Captain West, whose gentle nature was 
so wrought on and abused by compassion for 
the prisoners and the persuasions of the mutin- 
eers, Vv'ho alleged they had only done this for his 
honor, that all things were again thrown into 
confusion and mutiny. But the president, hav- 
ing no inclination to contend with Mr. West, 
and little power to curb their insolence, left them 
to their fortunes and returned to Jamestown; 
and soon after they abandoned Nonsuch, and 
went back to their first settlement at West's-Fort, 

"But passing down the river, as Captain Smith 
was asleep in the boat, his powder-bag, by some 
accident, was fired, v/hich tore the flesh from his 
body and thighs, nine or ten inches square, in a 



CAI'TAIN JOHN SMITH. 175 

most dreadful maiiner. To quench the fire, 
which iried and tormented him in his clothes, 
he leaped overboard, and was almost drowned 
before they could recover him. In this piteous 
state he arrived at Jamestown, where Ratcliffe, 
Archer, and the rest of their confedera.tes were 
soon to come to their trials. But their guilty 
consciences misgiving then), and seeing the pres- 
ident unable to stand, and almost bereft of his 
senses by reason of his torment, they entered 
into a conspiracy to murder him in his bed. But 
his heart failed him who was to have given fire 
to the pistol ; and so, being disappointed in this 
purpose, they joined together to usurp the gov- 
ernment and thereby escape their punishment. 
In the mean time, the president's old soldiers 
being provoked beyond all patience at their 
malice and sedition, flocked to him, and impor- 
tuned him to give them but the word, and they 
would fetch the heads of the boldest among them 
that durst resist his commands. Yet he would 
not suffer them to bring the matter to a civil broil, 
but sent immediately for the masters of the ships, 
and took order with them for his return to Eng- 
land; for there was neither chirurgeon nor chir- 
urgery at the fort; and his wounds were so 
grievous, and torments so cruel, that few ex- 
pected he could live. And he likewise highly 
resented, and was much chagrined to see his 
authority suppressed, he knew not why ; himself 
and his soldiers to be rewarded for their past la- 
bors and dangers, he knew not how; and a new 
commission granted, to they knew not whom. 



176 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

And besides, he found himself unable to follow 
his business, suppress those factions, and range 
the country for provisions as he before intended. 
And he well knew that his own presence and 
activity were as requisite in those affairs as his 
advice and directions. For all which reasons 
he resolved upon leaving the country, and went 
presently on board one of the ships. 

"Captain Percy had been for some time in a 
very bad state of health, and had taken his pas- 
sage in one of the ships to go to England: but 
now, upon Smith's departure, many came about 
him, and by entreaties and persuasions prevailed 
with him to stay, and take upon him the govern- 
ment. But there were many others up in arms, 
calling themselves presidents and counsellors, 
several of which began now to fawn upon and 
solicit Smith to give up his commission to them ; 
and after much ado, and many bitter repulses, 
that their ruin and confusion might not be at- 
tributed to him for leaving the country without 
a commission, he permitted it to be stolen, but 
never could be induced to resign it into such 
vile hands." — Stith. 

About the latter part of September, 1609, 
Captain Smith left the country, never again to 
see it. "He left behind him three ships and 
seven boats; commodities ready for trade; the 
corn newly gathered; ten- weeks' provision in 
the store ; four hundred and ninety odd persons ; 
twenty-four pieces of ordnance ; three hundred 
muskets, with other arms and ammunition, more 
than sufficient for the men; the language and 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 177 

habitations of the Indians well known to an 
hundred trained and expert soldiers; nets for 
fishing; tools of all sorts to work; apparel to 
supply their wants; six mares and a horse; five 
or six hundred hogs; as many hens and chickens, 
with some goats and some sheep; for whatever 
had been brought or bred here, still remained. 
But this seditious and distracted rabble, regard- 
ing not any thing, but from hand to mouth, 
riotously consumed what there was, and took 
care for nothing but to color and make out some 
complaints against Captain Smith. For this end 
the ships were detained three weeks, at a great 
charge, till they could produce and bring them 
to bear."* 

As a soldier of fortune, we have seen that, 
previous to his connexion with Virginia, Smith 
had "run through a great variety of life and 
adventure." So notorious were many of his 
heroic exploits, that "he Kved to see himself 
brought upon the stage, and the chief dangers 
and most interesting passages of his life racked, 
as he complains, and misrepresented in low tra- 
gedies." One of his friends, whom he left behind 
in Virginia, has given this character of him : " In 
all his proceedings he made justice his first guide, 
and experience his second; hating baseness, 
sloth, pride and indignity, more than any dan- 
gers. He never would allow more for himself 
than for his soldiers ; and upon no danger would 
send them where he would not lead them him- 
self. He would never see us want what he had, 
* Stith's History of Virginia. 



178 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

or could by any means get for us. He would 
rather want than borrow; or stai've than not pay. 
He loved action more than woi'ds; and hated 
covetousness and falsehood worse than death. 
His adventures were our lives; and his loss 
our deaths." 

Few men, in any age or country, were ever 
more universally esteemed, among the honorable 
and independent portion of their contemporaries, 
than Smith; and this high estimation of his 
moral worth seems to have been transmitted 
from generation to generation, undiminished by 
the lapse of time, and equally as prevalent at 
the present day as it was two centuries and a 
half ago. The following just remarks upon his 
adminTstration of affairs in Virginia, are taken 
from Mr. Hillard's popular work: 

"It is hardly possible for Captain Smith's services 
to the colony "to be exaggerated. Nothing but the 
force of his character could have conducted it through 
so naany difficulties and dangers. Upon his single 
life its existence hung, and without him the enterprise 
vi'ould have been relinquished again and again, as in 
the case of the settlements on the coast of North 
Carolina, and the establishment of a permanent co- 
lony in America would have been delayed to an in- 
definite period, since every unsuccessful attempt 
would have been a fresh discouragement to such an 
undertaking. It is easy to be seen that he embraced 
the interests of the colony with the whole force of 
his fervid and enthusiastic character. He was its 
right eye and its right arm. In its service he dis- 
played a perseverance which no obstacles could dis- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 179 

hearten, a courage which bordered upon rashness, 
and a fertility of resources which never left him at 
a loss for remedies against every disaster, and for the 
means of extricating himself from every difficulty 
and embarrassment. 

"It is curious to observe, that he seemed not only 
to superintend, but to do every thing. His official 
dignity never encumbered him when any thing was 
to be done. We find him, at one time, cutting down | 
trees with his own hands; at another, heading an 
exploring expedition, venturing, with a few timid 
followers, in an open bark, into unknown regions 
densely peopled with savage tribes; and at another, 
marching with a few soldiers to procure provisions, 
and sleeping on the bare ground in the depth of win- 
ter. He had the advantage of possessing an iron 
frame and a constitution which was proof against 
sickness and exposure ; so that, while others were 
faint, drooping, and weary, he was vigorous, unex- 
hausted, ready to grapple with danger, and contem- 
plating every enterprise with cheerful confidence in 
the result. 

" In the government of his colony he was rigidly 
impartial, just, and, as might be expected from one 
who had so long been a soldier, strict, even to sever- 
ity. This was indeed one of the objections made 
to his administration by the council in England, and 
it without doubt created him many enemies in James- 
town. But the intelligent reader will find for him a 
sufficient apolc^y in the desperate character of many 
of the settlers, and in the absolute necessity of im- 
plicit subordination, which their situation required. 

" The whole power was centred in his own person, 
and a refusal to obey him was a refusal to obey the 
laws, upon which their safety and even existence 



■ ^ ■ - - ''• - .-.-. ^^ 

180 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

depended. His severity arose from a sense of duty, 
and no one ever accused him of being vv^antonly 
cruel or revengeful. No man was more ready to 
forgive offences, aimed at himself personally ; a 
striking proof of which is, that we hear of no punish- 
ments being inflicted on the dastardly wretches who 
attempted to assassinate him, as he was lying help- 
less from his wounds, during the last days of his 
administration. 

"His conduct to the Indians, though not always 
dictated by a spirit of Christian justice or brotherhood, 
will be found very honorable to him, if tried by the 
standard of the opinions of his day. Here, too, his 
apology must be found in the peculiar circumstances 
in which he was placed. He was not the head of 
a powerful body, meeting and trading with the Indians 
on terms of equality, but of a feeble band, whom 
they, if they had known their own strength, might 
have crushed in a moment. The passion of fear is 
the parent of cruelty and of treachery. It was ne- 
cessary (or at least it was deemed so) to overawe 
the Indians, to strike terror into them ; and, if the 
means resorted to for accomplishing these ends were 
not strictly justifiable, there was at least an excuse 
for them. 

" The English were also more than once threaten- 
ed with famine, while their Indian neighbors were 
generally well supplied with provisions; and reason 
and experience tell us that starving men will not be 
very nice in their expedients to obtain food, or coolly 
examine into the right and wrong of measures, when 
a fierce animal instinct is goading them on. Captain 
Smith, by prudence and firmness, established a most 
harmonious feeling between the two races. 

"The respect of the Indians for him hardly stop- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 181 

ped short of idolatry. His great qualities were 
evident to these untutored children of Nature, and 
their reverence was the instinctive homage which is 
paid to innate superiority. This is alone sufficient 
to prove that he never treated the Indians, even as 
they thought, with injustice, cruelty, or caprice ; had 
it been so, he never would have been so admired and 
honored by a race of men who are proverbial for 
never forgetting an injury. 

"The genuine merits of Captain Smith, as a pre- 
siding officer, can only be fairly estimated by com- 
paring him with others. We have seen that whenever 
he departs from Jamestown, every thing is thrown 
into confusion, and that, as soon as he returns, order 
is restored and the jarring notes of discord cease to 
be heard As none but himself could bend the bow 
of Ulysses, so no one was capable of sustaining the 
office of President, for a single day, but Captain 
Smith." * * * "Compare also the results of his 
brilliant expedition to explore the Chesapeake, with 
Newport's pompous march into the country of the 
Monacans, in which his failure was as wretched as 
his means of success were ample. The miserable 
adventures of the colony, too, after he, its ruling and 
moving spirit, had departed, are in themselves a 
splendid encomium upon his energetic and successful 
administration." 
16 



182 LIFE AND ADVENTUUEB OF 



CHAPTER XIV 

The Sea- Venture and the Governors — Isle of Devils : its Ani- 
mal and Vegetable Productions — Tiie Shipwrecked Party 
leave for Virginia : Desperate Condition of Afl'airs in that 
Reg-ion : " The Starving Time " — Resolution to abandon the 
Settlement : Happily Frustrated by the arrival of Lord Del- 
aware — ImportanLAssistance from England — Projected New- 
Settlements — Pocahontas made a Prisoner-t-Po-whatan ap- 
prised of her Situation : His Answer — Skirmishes with the 
Indians — Two Brothers of Pocahontas — Partial Arrange- 
ment of Difficulties — Marriage of Pocahontas and Rolfe : 
Embarkation for England : Arrival. 

Many interesting events in the life of Poca- 
hontas are so intimately blended with the history 
of Captain Smith, that we shall incorporate them 
as coming legitimately within the sphere of our 
design. For the same reason, we shall also in- 
clude the most important matters connected with 
the settlement after the Captain's departure for 
England. As a necessary link in the chain of 
connection, the fate of the three governors who 
embarked in the Sea- Venture ma.j be considered 
as first in order. After this vessel was separated 
from the rest of the fleet, she became so shatter- 
ed and leaky by the violence of the sea, that the 
"water in the hold rose above two tiers of hogs- 
heads ;" and those on board were obliged to stand 
up to their waists, bailing with buckets, kettles, 
or similar implements, for three days and nights 
without intermission. Finding that, despite their 
utmost efforts, the water was rather gaining upon 
them, they resolved to close the hatches, and 
"commit themselves to the mercy of the sea 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 183 

and God's good providence. In this dangerous 
and desperate state, some who had good and 
comfortahle waters fetched them, and drank to 
one another, as taking their last leaves till a 
more happy and joyful meeting in the other 
world." Sir George Somers had sat all this time 
upon the poop_, managing to keep the ship upright, 
or she must long before have foundered. At 
last he had the good fortune unexpectedly to 
descry land ; and " this welcome news, as if it 
had been a voice from heaven, hurried them all 
above hatches, to see what they could scarce 
believe." Although it was known to be Ber- 
muda, "a place then dreaded and shunned by 
all men," yet they crowded sail, and did every 
thing else in their power to reach the land. "It 
was not long before the ship struck upon a rock ; 
but a surge of the sea cast her from thence, and 
so from one to another, till she was most luckily 
thrown up between two as upright as if she had 
been on the stocks." Suddenly the wind abated 
to a calm, and the sea became so still that, with 
the greatest ease, all the passengers, provisions, 
and goods were got safely on shore — a distance 
of more than a league from the wreck. So ter- 
rible had this place previously become in the 
eyes of mariners, on account of the wreck of 
numerous Spanish, French and Dutch vessels, 
that, with the usual elegance of marine classics, 
it had been pretty generally christened the Isle 
of Devils. All concerned were agreeably disap- 
pointed in not realizing their dismal expectations : 
they found it the most healthful, pleasant, and 



184 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

productive place they had ever seen. They met 
with excellent fish, so large and plentiful, that in 
half an hour enough could be caught by one 
individual to svipply the whole company. On one 
occasion, " Sir George Somers caught one that 
had before carried off two of his hooks, so large 
that it would have pulled him into the sea, had 
not his men got hold of him," Hogs also were 
found so abundant, that at their first hunting 
they killed thirty-two; and gam.e, fruits, vegeta- 
bles, and other acceptable means of subsistence 
enabled them to hve in such plenty, ease, and 
comfort, that "many forgot all other places, and 
never desired to return from thence." 

At last, however, it was resolved to deck the 
long-boat with the ship's hatches, and to send 
Mr. Raven and eight others to Virginia, for the 
purpose of making arrangements for their trans- 
portation thither; but this frail vessel must have 
perished at sea, as none of the party were ever 
heard of afterwards. Even in the small group 
of humanity left upon the island, "such was the 
malice, envy, and ambition of some, that, not- 
withstanding Sir George Somers's eminent ser- 
vices, there arose great differences between the 
commanders," which seemed to verify the ob- 
servations of a Spanish author, that the air of 
America was infectious, and inclined men's minds 
to wrangling and contention. Each party deter- 
mined on building a vessel, and two cedar ships 
were at length finished. Instead of pitch and 
tar, their seams were caulked and payed with 
lime and turtle's oil, which quickly became dry, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. . 185 

and as hard as stone; they were rigged with 
what was saved from the Sea- Venture, and 
amply provisioned with acceptable fare. On 
the 10th of May, 1610, all but two* were em- 
barked, and somewhat regretfully left the island, 
having sojoui^ned there for about nine months. 
After a prosperous voyage of fourteen days, 
they reached their destination, where every thing 
was found in such a desperate condition, that 
they at once abandoned all hope of maintaining 
the settlement, and made immediate preparations 
for returnino; to Endand. 

It appears that no sooner had the Indians 
learned that Smith was gone, than they set at 
defiance the remaining power of the whites — 
murdering and pillaging indiscriminately every 
party they could overpower. The stores left by 
Smith were becoming rapidly exhausted, when 
Captain West and Captain Ratcliffe, each with 
some thirty or forty men in a "small ship," 
were dispatched in quest of materials for replen- 
ishing their stock. With a foolhardiness charac- 
teristic of the man, Ratcliffe put himself entirely 
within the power of Powhatan, and dearly did 
he pay for his temerity — being slaughtered with 
the whole of his party, except two. Captain 
West was more fortunate, although he failed in 

* Christopher Carter and Edward Waters, who had ren- 
dered themselves amenable to punishment for certain of- 
fences, fled into the woods to avoid the demands of justice. 
Waters had been actually tied to a tree to be executed, but 
he cut the rope with a knife he had secreted, and made his 
escape. 

16* 



186 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

obtaining the necessary supplies; and shortly 
after sailed for England. In the words of Dr. 
Simons, they now began fearfully to realize "the 
loss of Captain Smith — yea, his greatest malign- 
ers could now curse his loss." "As for corn, 
provisions, and contributions from the savages," 
he continues, "we had nothing but mortal 
wounds with clubs and arrows ; as for our hogs, 
hens, goats, sheep, horse, or what lived, our 
commanders, officers, and savages daily consum- 
ed them; some small proportions sometimes we 
tasted, till all was devoured ; then swords, arms, 
pieces, or any thing, we traded with the savages, 
whose cruel fingers were so oft imbrued in our 
blood, that what by their cruelty, the governor's 
indiscretion, and the loss of our ships, of five 
hundred within six months after Captain Smith's 
departure, there remained not past sixty men, 
women, and children, most miserable and poor 
creatures ; and these were preserved for the most 
part by roots, herbs, acorns, walnuts, berries, and 
now and then a little fish : they that had starch in 
these extremities, made no small use of it; yea, 
even the very skins of our horses. Nay, so 
great was our famine, that a savage we slew 
and buried, the poorer sort took him up again, 
and ate him, and so did divers one another, boil- 
ed and stewed with roots and herbs. And one 
amongst the rest did kill his wife, powdered her, 
and had eaten part of her before it was known, 
for which he was executed, as he well deserved. 
Now, whether she was better roasted, boiled 
or carbonadoed, I know not; but of such a dish 



CAPTAIN JOHN S.MITH. 187 

as powdered wife, I never heard of. This was 
that time which still to this day we called the 
Starving Time! It were too vile to say, and 
scarce to be believed, what we endured; but the 
occasion was our own, for want of providence, 
industry and government." 

It is no wonder that the newly-arrived govern- 
ors, who had so narrowly escaped death in two 
other forms, and who knew nothing of the 
causes which had produced such deplorable re- 
sults, should be in favor of leaving a prospect 
so desolate. They at once embarked the remnant 
of the colony with themselves, making such 
provision as their means afforded, and turned 
their prows towards England. Before thev got 
to sea, however, they were met by Lord JDela- 
ware, who had been sent out as governor, bring- 
ing three ships exceedingly well furnished with 
all necessaries; and after a brief consultation 
among the leaders of the newly-departed and 
the newly-arrived, it was deemed advisable to 
return to Jamestown. 

On the 10th of June, 1610, Lord Delaware 
attended divine service at the church with his 
officers; and after seeking counsel of God, he 
"delivered some few words to the companv, 
laying just blame upon them for their haughty 
vanities and sluggish idleness, and earnestly en- 
treating them to amend those desperate follies, 
lest he should be compelled to draw the sword 
of justice, and to cut oflf such delinquents." — 
His address had the desired effect for a time. 
New buildings and fortifications were erected, 



loo LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

and ample means provided for the comfortable 
subsistence of all. He remained with the col- 
ony nearly a year, during which time his health 
materially suffered from various diseases, in- 
cluding ague, dysentery, gout, and scurvy; he 
therefore proposed returning to England, and 
accordingly embarked for that country, March 
28, 1611, leaving the government again in the 
hands of Captain George Percy, by whom it 
was administered until May 10th, when Gov- 
ernor Sir Thomas Dale arrived with another 
supply of men, cattle, and provisions. From 
the representations made by Lord Delaware on 
his return, the Virginia Company were induced 
immediately to fit out, for Sir Thomas Gates, 
"six tall ships, with three hundred men, one 
hundred kine and cattle, and all other manner 
of provision that could be thought needful ;" 
which arrived at Jamestown on the 2d of August, 
when Gates superseded Dale as governor. 

The building of new towns now began to 
engross a large share of attention; but owing to 
the continued hostility of Powhatan and the 
surrounding chiefs, whom none of the numerous 
governors had been able to subdue or conciliate, 
such undertakings were attended with great 
danger and little benefit. 

About this time Captain Argall was sent to 
the Potomac to trade for corn, the Indians in 
the vicinity of Jamestown having then none to 
spare, and no disposition to spare it when they 
had. He contrived to ingratiate himself into 
the good graces of Japazaws, the king of that 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 189 

country, and an old friend of Captain Smith, 
with whom he made an arrangement for the 
betrayal of Pocahontas into his power. For 
some reason, never satisfactorily ascertained, 
this "numparell of Virginia," as she was styled 
by Smith, had placed herself under the protec- 
tion of this Indian, relying upon him to keep her 
retreat unknown to all but trusty friends; and 
Captain Argall engaged to give him a copper 
kettle to bring her on board his ship ; promising 
not to hurt her, but to keep her safe until a 
treaty of peace could be concluded with her 
father. "This savage," it is affirmed "would 
have done any thing for the copper kettle; and 
therefore, having no pretence on account of her 
own curiosity, because she had seen and been 
in many ships, he made his wife pretend that 
she was very desirous to see one." They each 
played their parts so well — she feigning inces- 
sant importunity, and he threatening to beat her 
if she did not forbear to annoy him — that at last 
Pocahontas, thinking herself unknown, and as 
a means of restoring harmony between her art- 
ful friends, consented to accompany them on 
board, where they were all liberally feasted in 
the cabin. Here Japazaws frequently trod on 
the captain's foot to remind him that he had 
done his part in securing the prize; and the 
captain, when he thought the proper time arrived, 
persuaded Pocahontas into the gun-room, under 
pretence of having some conference with Jap- 
azaws, " which was only that she should not per- 
ceive he was any way guilty of her captivity." 



=^ 



190 LITE AND ADVENTURES OF 

After settling the agreement with her betrayers, 
he sent tor her iigain, and told her, in their pres- 
ence, that she must go with him, and compound 
peace with her country and the English before 
ever she should see Powhatan. At this intima- 
tion, (some more actins^hemg considered advisa- 
ble) her quondam protector and his wife began 
to "howl and cry as fast as Pocahontas;" but 
the captain's fair explanations and promises by 
degrees had the effect of pacifying all parties ; 
and " Japazaws and his wife, with the kettle and 
other toys, went merrily on shore, and she to 
Jamestown," where she had not been before 
since the departure of Captain Smith. 

A messenger was forthwith dispatched to Pow- 
hatan, apprising him of the situation of his 
daughter, and intimating that she could only be 
ransomed by the restoration of the men, swords, 
pieces, tools, &c., which he had treacherously 
stolen. This unwelcome news troubled him 
much; because, says the chronicler, "he loved 
both his daughter and our commodities well;" 
yet an interval of three months clasped ere he 
deigned an answer. Then, by the persuasion 
of the council, he returned seven men, with 
each of them a useless musket; and sent word 
that when his daughter was restored to freedom, 
he would make satisfaction for all former injuries, 
and give five hundred bushels of corn, with an 
assurance that he would ever remain on friendly 
terms. The men and articles were received as 
part payment; but word was sent him that it 
was hot believed that the rest of the arms were 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 191 

either lost or stolen from him, and therefore his 
daughter would be detained until they were 
forthcoming. He was so much displeased with 
this answer, that no more was heard from him 
for a long time after; and it is quite uncertain 
whether he would have paid any further atten- 
tion to the matter, had not some determined 
measures been taken to secure the promised- 
ransom. Argall's ship and several vessels be- 
longing to the colony, with one hundred and fifty 
well-appointed men, went up the river to his 
principal residence, in the hope of accomplish- 
ing their object by this show of force; but they 
were received .by his chiefs in a spirit of bra- 
vado, and told that they were most " welcome 
if they came to fight," as preparations had 
been m?ide for their reception, and they would 
fare as Ratcliffe and his men had done. Not 
content with these bullying expressions, they 
finally "let fly their arrows" among the vessels, 
but without doing any serious harm. Being thus 
tauntingly defied, however, Argall manned his 
boats, went on shore, and burned their houses; 
after which, he proceeded further up the river. 
On the next day they had another meeting with 
the Indians, who insolently inquired why they 
burned their houses? which inquiry was an- 
swered by another, why they had fired upon the 
vessels? " They replied that it was some strag- 
gling savage, with many other excuses; they in- 
tended no hurt, but were friends." Being assured 
that the object of the English was also friend- 
ly, they expressed their readiness to conclude 



192 LIFE AND ADVENTUKEri OF 

a peace, and forthwith dispatched messengers to 
Powhatan, whose answer, it was alleged, could 
not be received in less than twenty-four hours. 
They then stated that the men which had been 
demanded had ran away, for fear of being hanged 
if they were surrendered ; as for the swords and 
muskets, they should be brought the next day ; 
but it was afterwards quite apparent that this 
was only an expedient to gain time, for the next 
day brought no fulfilment of their promises. It 
was then determined that the expedition should 
proceed higher still, to a house of Powhatan's, 
called Matchot; and here were found about four 
hundred men, completely armed with every im- 
plement for Indian warfare, who dared the Eng- 
lish to come ashore, which they did. No show 
of fear was made by the savages, nor did they 
offer any resistance to the landing of Argall's 
party ; but, walking boldly up and down among 
them, demanded a conference with the captain. 
A truce was arranged until the next day, that 
they might send once more to their king to know 
his pleasure : " If it were not agreeable to their ex- 
pectation," says one who was present, " then they 
would fight with us, and defend their own as best 
they could ; * * * and they should know when 
we would begin by our drums and trumpets," — 
a very accommodating arrangement truly ! Two 
of Powhatan's sons took advantage of this inter- 
val to visit their sister, and were much rejoiced 
to find her well, promising that they would per- 
suade her father to redeem her, and conclude 
satisfactory terms of peace. The two brothers 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 193 

then remained on board as hostages, and Rolfe 
and Sparks were sent to apprise Powhatan that 
all things were in readiness for a "pacific solu- 
tion"* of existing difficulties. The embassy 
were kindly entertained, but not admitted into 
the royal presence : Opechancanough, the king's 
brother and successor, acting as secretary of 
state, promised his best efforts to prevail upon 
his "august sovereign" to accede to all reason- 
able requirements, and establish lasting amity. — 
It being now (April) the season for planting 
corn, it was deemed advisable to be content 
with this understanding; and Argall and his 
party returned to Jamestown, stipulating, in any 
event, not to exact the payment of certain pen- 
alties until after the next harvest. 

Long before this, Mr. John Rolfe, a worthy 
young gentleman, conceived a sincere affection 
for Pocahontas, which she as sincerely recipro- 
cated. While engaged in this expedition, he 
wrote a letter on the subject to Sir Thomas Dale, 
entreating his advice, and Pocahontas likewise 
took occasion to hold a consultation with her 
brothers. The friends of both parties highly ap- 
proving of their union, it was soon settled upon; 
and the report of this determination coming to 
the knowledge of Powhatan, he not only gave 
his consent at once, but within ten days sent 
Opachisco, an old uncle of her's, and two of his 
sons, to see the manner of the marriage, and to 

* This is a modern phrase. We hope that none of our 
readers will suspect any of the diplomats engaged in this 
affaii' of having invented it ! 
17 



194 



LIFE AND ADVEXTURES OF 



do in that behalf what they were required, for 
the confirmation of it, as his deputies. It was 
therefore solemnized in the beginning of April, 
1613, and "ever after they had friendly trade 
and commerce, as well with Powhatan himself 
as with all his subjects." 

After her marriage, Rolfe and his friends were 
very careful and assiduous in instructing Poca- 
hontas in the Christian religion ; and she, on her 
part, expressed an eager desire and evinced great 
capacity in learning. Her advancement was 
so rapid and satisfactory, that she soon openly 
renounced the idolatrv of her country, confessed 
the faith of Christ, and was baptized by the name 
of Rebecca. But her real name, it seems, was 
Matoax, which the Indians- carefully concealed 
from the English, and changed it to Pocahontas, 
out of a superstitious fear, lest ihe}^ by the 
knowledge of her true name, should be enabled 
to do her some hui't. She was the first Chris- 
tian Indian in this reign, and perhaps the sincerest 
and most worthy that has ever been since. Al- 
though she was always the favorite child of her 
father, she never expressed the least desire to , 
return to him, nor could she endure the brutish' 
manners or society of her own nation. Her 
■affection to her husband was extremely constant 
and true; and he, on the other hand, always 
displayed a tender solicitude for her happiness, 
which evinced a just appreciation of her. many 
noble qualities. When Powhatan afterwards 
heard of the great change which had been 
wrought in his daughter, and was told that she 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 195 

would not on any account return and live with 
him, he laughed heartily, and seemed very much 
pleased to hear it. 

Sir Thomas Dale soon after relinquished the 
government of Virginia, and returned to England, 
being accompanied by Pocahontas and her hus- 
band, who also carried with them several young 
natives of both sexes — all of whom arrived safe 
at Plymouth, June, 12, 1616. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Smith eng-ag-es in New Explorations on the Northern American 
Coasts : Success and Return — His Agreement with Prince 
Charles in rea;ard to the Names of several Important Places : 
Villany of his Associate, Captain Hunt — Hig-h Anticipations 
of Smith — Promise of the Plymouth Company: Engag-e- 
rnent with them — Better Offers declined — Expedition under 
Cooper sails from London — Sir Ferdinand Gorg-es — Cunning- 
Device of a Kidnapped Indian to g^et Home — Abortive at- 
tempts to unite the London and Plymouth Companies — 
Failure of the latter to redeem their promises — Two Vessels 
at last provided, in which Smith sails : his Return, disabled 
by a Storm: Sails ag-ain in another Craft — Encounter with 
Pirates — Captured by a French Cruiser : His Sailors escape 
with the Eng-lish Vessel : Smith detained a Prisoner : Occa- 
sional Employment in Fig-hting- and Writing- — Captain Bar- 
ra, "an Eng-lish Pirat" — A Rich Prize — Liberal Promises 
to Smith, who is taken to France — False Accusations — 
Fortunate Escape — New Trials and Difficulties— Return to 
England. 

While the interesting events recorded in the 
last chapter were transpiring in Virginia, Cap- 
tain Smith was engaged in enterprises in other 
regions which afforded an ample field for the 
exercise of his active temperament. The injuries 



196 LIFE AND ADVENTCRES OF 

he had sustained from the accidental explosion 
of powder, as previously recorded, appear to have 
yielded to medical treatment, and he was soon in 
a condition to encounter new perils. He did 
not, however, at once engage in his favorite 
business of "seeing the world," through the in- 
strumentality of new exploring expeditions, but 
seems to have lived in comparative privacy for 
a few years, probably busied on his reminiscences 
of former times, and storing his mind with use- 
ful knowledge for the future. After a while, 
being well known in England, "the report of his 
valour, and his spirit of ad venture, pointed him out 
to a number of merchants, who were engaged in 
the American fishery, as a proper person to make 
discoveries on the coast of North Virginia, as it 
was called at that time, but which name was 
afterwards changed for that of New England. 
In March, 1614, he sailed from London with two 
ships, and arrived at the island of Monahigon 
in latitude 43^'', as it was then computed, where 
he built seven boats. The design of the voyage 
was to take whales, to examine a mine of gold 
and another of copper, which were said to be 
there ; and if either or both of these should fail, 
to make up the cargo with fish and furs. The 
mines proved a fiction, and by long chasing the 
whales to no purpose, they lost the best season 
for fishing ; but while the seamen were engaged 
in these services, Smith, in one of his boats, 
with eight men, ranged the coast, east and west, 
from Penobscot to Cape Cod; bartering with 
the natives for beaver and other furs, and mak- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 197 

ing observations on the shores, islands, harbours, 
and head-lands ; which, at his return to England, 
he wrought into a map, and, presenting it to 
Prince Charles, (afterwards the royal martyr) 
with a request that he would give the country 
a name, it was for the first time called New- 
England. The prince also made several alter- 
ations in the names which Smith had given to 
particular places. For instance, he had called 
the name of that promontory which forms the 
eastern entrance of Massachusetts bay, Trag- 
abigzanda; after the name of the Turkish lady 
to whom he had been formerly a slave at Con- 
stantinople ; and the three islands which lie off 
the Cape, the Turks' Heads, in memory of his 
victory over the three Turkish champions, in his 
Transylvanian adventures. In filial respect to 
his mother, Charles called the former 'Cape 
Anne,' which name it has ever since retained; 
the name of the islands has long since been lost; 
and another cluster, to which he gave his own 
name, Smith's Isles, and which name the prince 
did not alter, are now, and have for more than 
a century, been called the Isles of Shoals ; so 
that the most pointed marks of his discoveries 
on the coast of New England have, either by 
his own complaisance to the son of his sovereign, 
or by force of time and accidents, become ob- 
solete. When he sailed for England in one of 
the ships, he left the other behind to complete 
her lading, with orders to sell the fish in Spain. 
The master, Thomas Hunt, decoyed twenty-four 
of the natives on board, and sold them in Spain 
17* 



198 



LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 



for slaves. The memory of this base transac- 
tion was long preserved, and succeeding adven- 
lurers suffered on account of it."* 

Smith gave so favorable a report of the coun- 
tries he had visited, that a momentary furor 
sprung up for immediately forming settlements 
under his supervision. Facilities and advan- 
tages were promised without stint in aid of this 
project, and ho was induced to calculate largely 
upon accomplishing something which should be 
beneficial to his countrymen and honorable to 
himself; but he was again sadly disappointed, 
and reaped nothing but a harvest of chagrin for 
his arduous services. 

On his return to Plymouth, it was his "ill 
chance," he says, to impart several important 
facts connected with his voyage to persons whom 
he considered as friends, and who "were inter- 
ested in the dead patent of this unregarded 
country." Many of the old North Virginia 
Company were so favorably impressed with his 
projects, that they at once engaged his services, 
with the assurance that he should have the 
"managing their authority in those parts during 

* Many jump at the conclusion that Hunt was actuated 
in this disgraceful business merely by the motive of put- 
ting money in his purse; but this is the least important 
object assigned by Smith fur the act. He regarded it as a 
stroke of policy, intended to perpetuate the hostility of the 
natives — "thereby to keep this abounding country still in 
obscurity, that onely he and some few merchants more 
might enjoy wholly the benefit of the trade." It is grati- 
fying to know that, whatever the motive, he wns indig- 
nantly dismissed from employment on returning to England. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 199 

his life." Relying upon the sincerity of these 
promises, he set otf for London, to attend to 
mattei's connected with his former and future 
expeditions. Here he found the tongue of envy 
had preceded him, and was busy in charging him 
with misrepresentations respecting the resources 
of New England^suggesting that if such ad- 
vantages as he claimed existed there, others 
would have found them out as well as he; and 
further intimating that he had probably robbed 
the French settlers in New France or Canada 
of the valuable commodities which he brought 
home. However, the scandals circulated seemed 
to have but little effect upon those who fitted 
out the last expedition; on the contrary, they 
tried again to induce Smith to enter their em- 
ployment, which he would gladly have done, 
had he not engaged with the Plymouth Com- 
pany, as above stated. With a frankness which 
distinguished all his actions, he gave publicity to 
his schemes, setting forth the great gain which 
would probably be realized from the fisheries, 
the fur-trade, and colonization. His "projects 
for fishing only was so well liked," that the South 
Virginia Company hastened to fit out four good 
ships, which were ready for sea before they at 
Plymouth had made any provision at all; and 
although Smith had made an arrangement with 
Michael Cooper, master of the bark engaged in 
his previous explorations, to accompany him in 
his new expedition, yet Cooper disregarded his 
engagement, and went out with the four vessels 
as soon as thev were ready. In relation to this 



200 Lin: a\d auventurcs op 

transaction, Smith says, "How he dealt with 
others, or others with him, I know not;" * * 
"I must confesse I was beholden to the setters 
forth of the foure ships that went with Couper, 
in that they otiered me that employment if I 
would accept it; and I find still my refusal in- 
curred some of their displeasures, whose love 
and favor I exceedingly desired; and though 
they do censure me opposite [instead of] their 
proceedings, they shall yet still, in all my words 
and deeds, find it is their error, not my fault, 
that occasions their dislike ; for having engaged 
myselfe in this business to the West Countrey, 
I had been very dishonest to have broke m.y 
promise; nor will I spend more time in discov- 
ery or fishing till I may go with a company for 
a plantation; for I know my grounds, yet every 
one to whom I tell them, or that reads this booke, 
cannot put it in practice, though it may helpe 
any that hath seene or not scene to know 
much of those parts. And though they en- 
deavor to woike me out of my own designes, I 
will not much envy their fortunes; but I would 
be sorry their intruding ignorance should by 
their defailments bring those certainties to doubt- 
fulnesse. So that the business prosper, I have 
my desire, be it by whomsoever that are true 
subjects to our king and country : the good of 
my country is what I seek, and there is more 
than enough for all, if they could be contented." 
About this time Sir Ferdinand Gorges was 
zealously engaged in fitting out expeditions to 
the portions of New England now constituting 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 20Y 

the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Mas- 
sachusetts. His principal object was to colonize 
a large grant of land which he had received, 
and from which he expected to realize fame and 
wealth. In conjunction with others, he expended 
large sums upon the undertaking; and although 
the returns disheartened his coadjutors, he was 
not so easily discouraged. When his associates 
declined any further connection with the busi- 
ness, he determined to carry it on by himself; 
and for this purpose he purchased a ship, and 
obtained a master (Captain Richard Vines) and 
company in whom he had the fullest confidence, 
arranging with them "to stay in the country 
over the winter, and pursue the discovery of it." 
The information gained by Vines, merely em- 
bracing some further knowledge of the country 
and natives, was the only remuneration for the 
heavy expenses attendant on the voyage. Yet 
Sir F'erdinand was soon induced to embark in 
another scheme, calculated to facilitate his plans, 
and which promised to make better returns. 
There was at that time in London an artful 
Indian, named Epenow, a native of the island 
of Capawock, (now Martha's Vineyard,) "who 
had been treacherously brought to England by 
one of the fishing ships," for the purpose of being 
exhibited. This savage came to Gorges with 
Captain Henry Harley, an unfortunate adven- 
turer in the first expedition, who anticipated 
great results from what he had been told by 
him respecting his native country. The fellow, 
it seems, had invented a plausible story relative 



202 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

to a mine of gold in his native island, in the hope 
that some adventurer would be induced to con- 
vey him home, to point out the treasure; nor 
was he disappointed. Funds were soon raised, 
and Harley sailed in June, 1614, taking with 
him Epenow and two other Indians, named As- 
sacumet and Wanap6. On the arrival of the 
ship at the harbor where Epenou' was to fulfil 
his promise, many of his kinsmen and other 
natives came on board, with whom he held a 
conference, and contrived his escape. , When 
leaving, they promised to retuni the next day 
with furs for traffic. "Epenow had pi'etended 
that if it were known that he had betrayed the 
secrets of his countiy, his life would be in dan- 
ger, but the company were careful to watch 
him; and, to prevent his escape, had dressed him 
in long clothes, which could easily be laid hold 
of, if there should be occasion. His friends 
appeared the next morning in twenty canoes; 
and, lying at a distance, the captain called on 
them to come on board, which they declining, 
Epenow was ordered to renew the invitation. 
He, mounting the forecastle, hailed them as he 
was directed, and at the same instant, though 
one held him by the coat, yet being strong and 
heavy, he jumped into the water. His country- 
men then advanced to receive him, and sent a 
shower of arrows into the ship, which so dis- 
concerted the crew, that the prisoner completely 
effected his escape."* Thus the golden dream 
vanished, and the ship returned without having 
* BelknaD. 



CAL'TAiN JOH>f SMITH. 203 

performed any services adequate to the expense 
of her equiptnenl. 

The Plymouth Company, although not directly 
interested in this adventure, were so discouraged 
by its ill success, that (says Sn^ith) " thev neither 
regarded much their pi-omises, and as little either 
me or the country, till they saw the London |j 
ships gone, and me in Plymouth according to 
my promise." "Now you are to remember," he 
continues, "I was promised foure good ships, 
ready prepared to my hand the next Christmas, 
and what conditions and content I would desire 
to put this businesse in practise, and arriving at 
London, foure moi'e were oflered me with the 
like courtesie."* "In January, with two hun- 
dred pound in cash for adventure, and six gen- 
tlemen W'cll furnished, I went from London to 
the foure ships were promised me at Plymouth, 
but I found no such matter: and the most of 
those that had made such great promises, by the 
bad returne of the ship [which] went for gold, 
and their private emulations, Were extinct and 
qualified. Notwithstanding, at last, with a lab- 
yrinth of trouble, though the greatest of the 
burden lay on me, and a few of my particular 

* On this oecnsion, Smith h;id taken great pains to in- 
duce the London and Plymouth specuhitors to unite their 
interests in the contemplated adventure; "because the Lon- 
doners have most money, and the Westerne men are most 
proper for fishing; and it is neere as much trouble, but 
much more danger, to sail from London to Plynioulh, than 
from Plymouth to New England; so that half the voyage 
■would thus be saved: yet by no nieimes I could prev.-ale, 
so desirous they were botii to be lords of this fishing." 



204 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

friends,*' I was furnished with a ship of two 
hundred tunnes and another of fiftie." It was 
part of Smith's plan, in addition to other objects, 
to found a colony upon some suitable spot in 
New England, and for this purpose he had en- 
gaged sixteen individuals to remain with him 
wherever he might settle. These were, of 
course, over and above the necessary comple- 
ment of sailors for the two vessels; and all 
things"^ being arranged, the adventurers set sail 
from Plymouth in March, 1615. When they 
had proceeded about one hundred and twenty 
leagues, the large ship was dismasted, and sprung 
a-leak, which obliged her to put back under 
jury-masts to Plymouth, while the smaller craft 
kept on her way, and returned with a profitable 
cargo the ensuing August. This accident ma- 
terially crippled the undertaking; for, instead 
of refitting the disabled ship, (probably unsea- 
worthy before being taken up for this business,) 
the remainder of the provisions and a portion 
of the crew, with the sixteen intended for the 
nucleus of the colony, were transferred to a 
small bark of sixty tons. With this very indif- 
ferent equipment. Smith sailed again on the 24th 
of June; but scarcely had he got well on his 
way, before he encountered a series of disasters, 
which effectually debarred him from the further 
prosecution of his designs. First, he was chased 
by an English pirate of one. hundred and forty 
tons and thirty-six guns, to which the master, 

* Sir Ferdinand Gorges .nnd Dr. Sutliffe, Dean of Exeter, 
were among the number. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 205 

mate, pilot, and others importuned him to yield, 
but "he vowed to sinke rather than be abused." 
These thought it very strange that a Httle vessel 
of only sixty tons and four cannon should stand 
so stoutly to her defence, until they recognized 
the valiant Smith, under whom several of them 
had served long before — probably in the Turkish 
wars. They had "but lately run from Tunis, 
where they had stolen this ship;" and being 
then in a state of mutiny, and short of provi- 
sions, they entreated Smith to become their 
commander, which he declined, and "which 
afterwards we all repented," adds the deposition 
of several who were with him. Having thus 
easily got rid of this ugly "free-trader," they 
went on their way rejoicing, until near Fayal, 
when they met with two French pirates — the 
one of two hundred tons, the other thirty. At 
first, nothing could induce the crew to offer re- 
sistance to this great disparity of force; and it 
was not until Smith threatened to blow up the 
ship rather than yield while there was a shot in 
the locker, that his men consented, to do their 
duty: "so together by the ears we went," says 
the aforesaid deposition, "and at last got cleere 
of them for all their shot," At Flores they were 
again chased by four French men-of-war, well 
armed and provided, with whom, when over- 
hauled, they "had much parley;" and on being 
assured that they "had a commission from the 
king onely to secure true men, and take Portu- 
gal^, Spaniards, and pirats, and as they requested, 
our captaine went to show his commission, which 
18 



200 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

was under the broad scale; but neither it nor 
their vows they so much respected, but they 
kept him" on board, rifled the vessel, manned 
her with Frenchmen, and dispersed the crew 
among their fleet. Within five or six days after 
this, they v^ere joined by several additional sail; 
when they concluded to relinquish their ill-got- 
ten prize, with most of the provisions and hands. 
On being again at liberty, many of the men in- 
sisted on returning at once to England, although 
they were then as near to their point of destina- 
tion; bat the majority were in favor of continu- 
ing the voyage, which was accordingly resolved 
upon. Under some specious pretext, the French 
admiral unaccountably sent a boat for Smith to 
come on board his vessel again; and hardly had 
he reached the deck, when a strange sail was 
descried, to which immediate chase was given. 
Night coming on, the disaffected on board the 
English ship took the opportunity to get away 
with her; thus leaving their captain with nothing 
but "his cap, bretches, and waist-coat, alone 
among the Frenchmen." His clothes, arms, 
and v.'hat he had, were shared among them; and, 
pretending to be fearful that it was his intention 
to turn pirate, they made that an excuse for re- 
turning to Plymouth, where the leaders were 
afterwards tried for their misconduct, but man- 
aged to escape the punishment they deserved.* 

* This is the inference from all tlie stntementsto be met 
with. "The greatest losse being mine," says Smith, "the 
Sailers did easily excuse themselves to tiie merchants in 
England," wiioae faith in the enterpristi was still strong 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 207 

Smith seems to have been convinced that his 
detention was premeditated, and was occasioned 
by the treachery and misrepresentations of the 
master and mate of his own vessel, who had 
manifested a mutinous disposition from the time 
of leaving England. They made their captors 
believe that he "would revenge himself upon the 
banke, or in New found land, upon all the French 
he could there encounter;" and further repre- 
sented — what was no doubt true — that if he had 
not been over-persuaded, he would have fired 
the ship; that if he "had but againe his amies, 
he would rather sinke by them, than they should 
have from him but the value of abisket; and 
many other such-like tales," circulated for the 
purpose of securing an opportunity to desert him 
in the manner they afterwards did. 

The vessel in which Smith was a pi'isoner 
soon separated from the rest of the fleet, and 
spent some time in cruising among the Azores; 
where, says he, "to keepe my perplexed thuuirhts 
from too much meditation of my miserable estate, 
I writ this discourse (a narrative of his voyage 
to New England) thinking to have sent it to his 
Majesty's Councell by some ship or other, for I 
saw their purpose was to take all the\' could." 
They evidently construed their commission very 
liberally, paying little attention to either its letter 

enough to induce them to provide more vessels for fishing. 
"Much difference,'' he continues, "there v/as betwixt the 
Londor.ers and Westerlings to ingrosse it, who now would 
adventure thousands, that when 1 first went would not ad- 
venture a groat." ' 



208 LIFE AND AUVEIVTUIIES OP 

or spirit whenever either were Hkely to stand in 
the way of their interest. Even the old rule, 
"honor among rogues," was disregarded in more 
than one instance. We are told that they fell 
-in with "one Captain Barra, an English Pirat in 
a small ship, with some twelve peeces of ord- 
nance, about thirty men, and neere all starved/' 
They courteously sought relief, which was fairly 
promised them, and sent a boat with the lieuten- 
ant and five or six men for the expected supply ; 
but no sooner were they on board, than the 
treacherous Frenchman prepared to take the 
rest perforce. Barra, perceiving their intentions, 
got ready for action, and his lieutenant "as reso- 
lutely regarded not their threats," which brought 
those double-dealers to the conclusion that "dis 
cretion would be the better part of valor." After 
deliberating some sixteen hours upon the matter, 
they agreed to restore the lieutenant and his 
men, and to furnish a quantity of provisions for 
a suitable compensation. 

Two months was Smith detained by these 
freebooters; being compelled during that time 
to "manage their fights against the Spaniards," 
and to remain a prisoner in the cabin whenever 
they encountered any English. Quite a list of 
their captures, comprising some of almost every 
nation, is furnished by the unfortunate hero; 
but we must content ourselves with quoting two 
examples, as fair specimens of the whole: "The 
next we tooke was a small English man of Poole 
from New found land : the great cabben at this 
present was my prison, from whence I could see 



CAI'TAIN J01I?J SMITH. 209 

them pillage these poore men of all they had, 
and half their fish. When hee was gone, they 
sold his poore clothes at the maine mast by an 
out-cry, which scarce gave each man seven 
pence a piece." * * * '-Within a day 
or two after, we met a West Indies man of warre, 
of one hundred and sixty tuns: a foi'e noone we 
fought with her, and then tooke her with one 
thousand one hundred hides, fiftie chests of 
cutchanele, fourteen coffers of wedges of silver, 
eight thousand rialls of ^eight, and six coffers of 
the King of Spaine's treasure, besides the good 
pillage and rich coffers of many rich passengers." 
It is quite apparent, from the tone in which his 
encounters with the Spaniards is described, that 
he enjoyed them as a sort of pleasant pastime; 
and no doubt on such occasions he displayed all 
his accustomed bravery and martial cunning; for 
his captors repeatedly promised that, when they 
arrived in France, he should have "double satis- 
faction and full content," and ten thousand 
crowns was generally agreed upon as his share 
of the spoils. When, however, the cruise ter- 
minated, and their vessel made a harbor near 
Rochelle, the liberal promises of the captain 
were forgotten ; and Smith, instead of gaining 
his freedom and something to repay his losses, 
found the liberty he had previously enjoyed very 
materially abridged. In addition to this injustice, 
he was accused of having burned the French 
colony at Port Royal in 1013; (nn outrage per- 
petrated by Captain Argall ;) but the object of 
this accusation was to force him to give them a 



210 



LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 



discharge before the admiralty judge, and to i^ely 
upon their generosity for satisfaction for his in- 
juries. Although he knew himself to be much 
in their power, he was not disposed to comply 
with their iniquitous demands; and neither the 
terrors of imprisonment "or a worse mischiefe" 
could make him swerve from his integrity. At 
that period justice was hard to be obtained ; in 
the expressive language of Smith, it was "a 
time of combustion — the Prince of Conde with 
his army in the field, and every poore lord, or 
man in authoritie, as little kings of themselves. 
For this injury was done me by them' that set 
out this voyage ; not by the sailers, for they were 
cheated of all as well as I, by a few officers 
aboard and the owners on shore." — To escape 
the awkward dilemma in which he w^as placed, 
he was willing to take his chance of meeting still 
greater difficulties. One night, when a fearful 
storm was raging, which "beat them all under 
hatches," he seized the opportunity of "taking 
French leave." Being favored by the darkness, 
he secretly got into the boat, and with nothing 
but a half pike, accidentally picked up, cut 
adrift, expecting to be cast upon a small island 
near by; but the current wag so strong and the 
waves ran so high, that he was carried out to 
sea, "till it pleased God the wind so turned with 
the tide, that although he was all this fearfull 
night of gusts and raine in the sea the space of 
twelve houres, when many ships were driven 
ashore, and divers split," at last he was thrown 
on a marshy isle, where certain fowlers found 



CAPTAIX J^IIN SMITH. 211 

him, "neere drowned, and half dead with water, 
cold and hunger." He pawned his boat for the 
means of getting to Rochelle, and there learned 
that the ship which he had so daringly and so 
fortunately left, had been totally wrecked, to- 
gether with the rich prize, and the captain and 
nearly half his crew di'owned. On entering a 
complaint before the admiralty judge, he found 
many good words and fair promises, and ere 
long many of those that escaped drowning, told 
him the news they heard of his own death." 
Causing several of them to be arrested, their 
examinations did so far confirm his complaint, 
that the proof was held sufhcient. A statement 
of the facts in the case, properly attested by the 
judge, was placed in the English ambassador's 
hands, at Bordeaux; but whether the claims 
were ever adjusted satisfactorily, or were suf- 
fered to drag out a protracted existence until all 
the parties were in "a higher sphere," (like the 
French spoliation claims, so long before our 
American Congress,) is one of those mysteries 
which we have no means of solving. It is 
pretty certain, however, that Smith did not 
realize any thing at ihat particular period; for 
he sets forth his good fortune in again meeting 
his "old friend Master Crampton, who no less 
giieved at his loss, than willingly to his power 
did supply his wants; and," he adds. "I must 
confess I was more beholden to the Frenchmen 
that escaped drowning in the man of wane, 
Madame Channyes at Jvotchell, and the lawveis 
of Burdeaux, than all the rest of mv countrv- 



212 LIFE AXD ADVEXTURES OF 

men I left in France." Leaving his affairs in 
the best train he could for adjustment, he em- 
braced the earliest opportunity of returning to 
England. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Smith and his Crew of Deserters : lie eng-ag-es again with the 
Plyinoutheans : Publislies his Book on New Eng-lanJ : is 
created Admiral of (hat Country— Arrival of Pocahontas— 
Interview with Smith — Distinction between the Laws of Na- 
ture and the Laws of State Etiquette— Smith's Letter to the 
Queen in behalf of Pocahontas, who is favoralily received 
at Court and elsewhere — Amusing Incidents of Smith's first 
Interview with Pocahontas— Hopeless Mission of Uttama- 
tomakkin to Number the People: His Correct Idea of Kiiinf 
James — Change in the Affairs of Virginia — Rolfe appointed 
to Office — Unexpected Death of Pocahontas: Her Little 
Son adopted by his Uncle: Is educated in London, and 
returns to Virginia; His Numerous Descendants — Ciiar- 
acter of Pocahontas. 

On reaching Plymouth, Smith's first care 
seems to have been to look after the sailors who 
had so villanously abandoned him to his fate 
among the French freebooters. "The chief- 
taines of this mutiny," he says, "I laid by the 
heels;" but he seems to have gained but little 
satisfaction, in any point of view, except the 
clearing of his character from certain vile as- 
persions which some of them heaped upon it. 

Exemplifying that the saying, "burned children 
dread the fire," was not one of his axioms, he 
was again induced to engage with the Plymouth 
adventurers; but after the loss of considerable 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 213 

time and money, he " found all things as unto- 
ward as before, and all their great promises 
nothing but aire." 

We have already seen that he passed some 
portion of his time, while a prisoner among the 
French, in writing an account of his voyages, 
and describing the countries he had previously 
visited. Regarding this as a favorable oppor- 
tunity for giving to the public that portion of his 
work which related to New England, it was ac- 
cordingly printed in June, 1616, accompanied 
with his map of the country. The object of 
this publication was to awaken attention to the 
importance of forming settlements, and also to 
exhibit the great commercial advantages likely 
to result from the newly-discovered fisheries. 
So indefatigable was Smith in the promotion of 
his favorite object, that he spent the whole sum- 
mer in visiting the cities and towns in the west 
of England, calling upon every person of any 
note, and giving them books and maps, to the 
number of seven thousand. "By this incitation," 
he says, "they seemed so well pleased, that they 
promised twenty saile of ships should goe with 
me next j^eere; and in regard to my paines, 
charge, and former losses, the western commis- 
sioners, in behalf of themselves and the rest of 
the company, and them hereafter that should be 
joined to them, contracted with me, by articles 
indented under our hands, to be Admii'al of that 
country [New England] during my life, and in 
the renewal of their letters-patents so to be 
nominated." 



214 LIFE A^D ADVENTURES OF 

While thus zealously engaged in forwarding 
his schemes lor the future settlement of America, 
Smith was unexpectedly apprised of the arrival 
of his friend and benefactress Pocahontas, or 
the Lady Rebecca, as she was generally called. 
Although greatly occupied in the business dear- 
est to his heart, he gladly seized upon every 
opportunity to show that her former kindness 
was still as much appreciated as ever. Their 
meeting being quite unexpected by both, was the 
more agreeable, as she had heard that he was 
dead, and knew not to the contrary until after her 
arrival. She had undergone a strange trans- 
formation since they last parted ; being now 
about twenty-two years of age, her pei'son grace- 
ful, and her deportment gentle and prepossessing. 
By the diligent care of her husband and his 
friends, she had been "taught to speak such 
English as might well be understood, was well 
instructed in Christianity, and was become very 
formal and civil, after the English manner." A 
son, too, had blessed her marriage, of which she 
was extremely fond ; and the Virginia Company 
had made liberal provision for the handsome 
maintenance of both herself and child. King 
James, at first, it is true, threw somewhat of a 
damper upon the happiness of Rolfe, affecting 
to be highly offended at his presumption in seek- 
ing an alliance with royalty. "That anointed 
pedant," says Stith, "had so high an idea of the 
Jus divinum, and indefeasible right of Pow- 
hatan, that he held it a great crime and misde- 
meanor for any private gentleman to mingle 



CAfTAIN JOHN Sr.IITH. 215 

Avith his imperial blood. And he might perhaps 
likewise think, consistently with his own princi- 
ples, that the right to dominion in Virginia would 
thereby become vested in Mr. Rolfe's posterity." 
However, it passed off without any further bad 
consequence than a little petty exhibition of dis- 
pleasure and murmuring — the results of innate 
and despicable meanness. 

It is hardly necessary to say that, notwith- 
standing the numerous pre-engagements of Smith 
put it out of his power to render that constant 
attention and service to Pocahontas which he 
desired; yet, "being well acquainted at court, 
and particularly favored and countenanced by 
Prince Charles, he drew up, and presented to 
the queen, before her arrival in London, a repre- 
sentation of her case and desert." Considering 
this memorial well worthy of transmission to 
posterity, we take leave to help it along towards 
them, as far as our book may go — copying ver- 
hatim from the writer's own publication : 

To the Most High and Verluous Princesse Queene Avne 
of Great Brittaine. 

Most admired Queene : The loue I beare my 
God, my King and Countrie .hath so oft emboldened 
mee in the worst of extreme dangers, that now hon- 
estie doth constraine mee presume thus farre beyond 
my selfe, to present your Majestie this short dis- 
coursp: if ingratitude be a deadly poyson to all 
honest vertues, I must bee guiltie of that crime if I 
should omit any meanes to bee thankfull. So it is, 

That some ten yeeres agoe being in Virginia, and 
taken prisoner b)^ tlie power of Powhatan their chiefe 



216 HIE AND ADVENTUltErf OF 

King, I receiued from this great Saluage exceeding 
great courtesie, especially from his sonne Nanta- 
quaus, the most manliest, comeliest, boldest spirit, I 
euer saw in a Saluage, and his sister Pocahontas, the 
Kings most deare and wel-beloued daughter, being 
but a childe of twelue or thirteene yeeres of age, 
whose compassionate pitifull heart, of desperate es- 
tate, gaue me much cause to respect her: I being 
the first Christian this proud King and his grim at- 
tendants euer saw : and thus inthralled in their bar- 
barous power, I cannot "say I felt the least occasion 
of want that was in the power of those my mortall 
foes to preuent, notwithstanding all their threats. — 
After some six weeks fatting amongst those Saluage 
Courtiers, at the minute of my execution, she haz- 
arded the beating out of her owne braines to saue 
mine, and not onely that, but so preuailed with her 
father, that I was safely conducted to lames towne, 
where I found about eight and thirtie miserable poorc 
and sicke creatures, to keepe possession of all those 
large territories of Virginia, such was the weaknesse 
of this poore Commonwealth, as had the Saluages 
not fed vs, we directly had starued. 

And this reliefe, most gracious Queene, was com- 
monly brought vs by this Lady Pocahontas, notwith- 
standing all these passages when inconstant Fortune 
turned our peace to warre, this tender Virgin would 
still not spare to dare to visit vs, and by her our 
jarres haue been oft appeased, and our wants still 
supplyed ; were it the policie of her father thus to 
employ her, or the ordinance of God thus to make 
her his instrument, or her extraordinarie affection 
to our Nation, I know not: but of this I am sure; 
when her father with the vtmost of his policie and 
power, sought to surprize mee, hauing but eighteene 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 217 

with niee, the dark night could not affright her from 
coming through the irkesome woods, and with water- 
ed eies gaue mee intelligence, with her best aduice 
to escape his furie ; which had hee knowne, hee had 
surely slaine her. lames towne with her wild traine 
she as freely frequented, as her fathers habitation ; 
and during the time of two or three yeeres, she next 
vnder God, was still the instrument to preserue this 
Colonie from death, famine and vtter confusion, which 
if in those times had once beene dissolued, Virginia 
might haue lain as it was at our first arriuall to this 
day. Since then, this businesse hauing beene turned 
and varied by many accidents from that I left it at: 
it is most certaine, after a long and troublesome warre 
after my departure, betwixt her father and our Colo- 
nie, all which time shee was not heard of, about two 
yeeres after she her selfe was taken prisoner, being 
so detained neere two yeeres longer, the Colonie by 
that means was relieued, peace concluded, and at 
last rejecting her bai'barous condition, was married 
to an English Gentleman, with whom at this present 
she is in England; the first Christian euer of that 
Nation, the first Virginian euer spake English, or 
had a childe in marriage by an Englishman, a matr 
ter surely, if my meaning bee truly considered and 
well vnderstood, worthy a princes vnderstanding. 

Thus, most gracious Lady, I haue related to your 
Maiestie, what at your best leasure our approued 
Histories will account you at large, and done in the 
time of your Maiesties life, and howeuer this might 
bee presented you from a more worthy pen, it cannot 
from a more honest heart. As yet I neuer begged 
any thing of the state, or any, and it is my want of 
abilitie and her exceeding desert, your birth, meanes, 
and authoritie, her birth, vertue, want and simplicitie, 
19 



218 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

doth make mee thus bold humbly to beseech your 
Maiestie to take this knowledge of her, though it be 
from one so vnvvorthy to be the reporter, as my- 
splfe, her husbands estate not being able to make 
her lit to attend your Maiestie: the most and least I 
can doe, is to tell you this, because none so oft hath 
tried it as niyselfe; and the rather being of so great 
a spirit, howeuer her stature : if she should not be 
Well rect-iucd, seeing this Kingdome may rightly 
haue a Kingdome by her means: her present loue 
to vs and Christianitie, might turne to such scorne 
and furie, as to diuert all this good to the worst of 
euill, where finding so great a Queene should doe 
her some honour more than she can imagine, for 
being so kinde to your seruants and subjects, would so 
rauish her witli contpnt, as endeare her dearest bloud 
to effect that your Maiestie and all the Kings honest 
subjects most earnestly desire : And so 1 humbly 
kisse your gracious hand. 

An "Indian princess" was a curiosity that 
had not probably been seen in Enoiand before; 
and Pocahontas was- eagerly sought and kindly 
entertained every where. Many courtiers and 
others of his acquaintance daiiy flocked to Cap- 
tain Smith, to be introduced to her. "They 
generally confessed," says he, "that the hand of 
God did visibly appear in her conversion; and 
that they had seen many English ladies less 
favored, of less exact proportion, and genteel 
carriage than she was. She was carried to 
court by Lady Delaware, attended by Lord D., 
her husband, and divers other persons of fashion 
and distinction. The whole court were charmed 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 219 

and surprised at the decency and grace of her de- 
portnaent ; and the king himself, and queen, were 
pleased honorably to receive and esteem her. 
Lady Delaware and other persons of quality 
also waited upon her to the masks, balls, plavs, 
and other public entertainments, with which she 
was wonderfully pleased and delighted; and she 
would doubtless have well deserved and fully 
returned all this respect and kindness had she 
lived to arrive in Virginia." 

The account of Smith's first interview with his 
preserver in England, is too characteristic to be 
omitted. It took place at Brentford, whither she 
had been removed on account of being annoved 
by the smoke of London, and whither Smith 
repaired, accompanied by several friends. Of 
course she was as yet ignorant of the ridiculous 
affectation which reigned at court, and when he 
entered the apartment, she ran to embrace him, 
calling b\m father ; and on perceiving that the 
warm outgushings of her grateful feelings were 
met by the cold and formal salutation required 
by court etiquette, she turned from him in a 
passionate manner, hid her face, and could not 
be brought to speak a word for two or three 
hours; so that. Smith says, he repented himself 
"to have writ she could speak English." After 
overcoming this unexpected rebuff, (for as such 
she regarded it) she began to talk, and reminded 
him of the many services she had rendered him, 
.and of the strict alliance between him and her 
father. 

"You promised him," said she, "that what was 



220 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

yours, should be his, and he the like to you. — 
You called him father, being in his land a 
stranger, and by the same reason so must I do 
you." 

Smith here undertook to explain, probably 
sotto voce, that "circumstances altered cases;" 
that what would do very vt'ell in Virginia, would 
not be at all suitable for the meridian of Lon- 
don ; that it would be " a breach of privilege " 
in him, a commoner, to call the daughter of a 
king by the familiar title oi child; that it would 
be highly derogatory to her dignity to call him 
father ; and sundry other matters of state re- 
quirement, which he at last made her compre- 
hend, only to despise : for, obeying the impulse 
of nature, she exclaimed, 

" You were not afraid to come into my father's 
country, and cause fear in him and all his people 
but me! And fear you here I should call you 
father! I tell you, then, I will; and you shall 
call me child, and so I will be for ever and ever 
your countryman! They did tell us always you 
wei*e dead, and I knew not otherwise till I came 
to Plymouth; yet Powhatan did command Utta- 
matomakkin* to seek you out, and know the 
truth, because your countrymen will lie much." 

As the saying is, there was unquestionably 
"more truth than poetry" in this artless asser- 
tion of Mrs. Rolfe, (which is, after all, her most 
legitimate title,) and Smith did not attempt to 
gainsay it. 

* Orthography of Smith ; Tomoeomo, according to Stith j 
Uttamaccomac, according to Belknup. 



CAPTAIN JOIIX SMITH. 221 

Her travelling attendant, just named, (it would 
be cruelty to repeat the name again in so brief 
an interval,) was a chief who had married one 
of Powhatan's daughters — a personage of no 
small consequence at home. He was not simply 
a fellow-traveller with his niece-in-law, but had 
been sent as a sort of spy and envoy extraor- 
dinary, (a combination by no means unusual 
among the primitive Indians,) to number the 
people, and to observe their strength and gen- 
eral condition. On arriving at Plymouth, ac- 
cording to his directions, "he got a long stick, 
whereon by notches he did think to have kept 
the number of all the men he could see ;" but 
he soon became weary of that task, threw away 
his stick, and gave up the undertaking as im- 
practicable, — Being asked by Powhatan, after 
his return, how many people there were, it is 
said that he replied, "Count the stars in the sky, 
the leaves on the trees, and the sand upon the 
sea-shore ; for such is the number of the people 
in England." Sir Thomas Dale and Mr. Pur- 
chas venture to surmise that the object of his 
mission was not so much to number the people, 
as to " take an account of their corn and trees." 
"Namontack and such others as had been sent 
to England formerly, being ignorant and sillv, 
and having seen little else besides London, had 
reported much of their men and houses, but 
thought they had small store of corn and trees ; 
and it was therefore a general opinion among 
these barbarians that the English came into 
their country to get a supply of these, which 
19* 



222 LIFE AND ADVENTUUES OF 

might be strengthened and confirmed by their 
sending large quantities of cedar, clapboard, and 
wainscot to England, and by their continual 
want and eagerness ai'ter corn. But this am- 
bassador, landing in the west, and travelling 
thence to London, was soon undeceived, and 
saw great cause to admire the English plenty." 
When he came to London, and fell in with 
Smith, whom he had well known in Virginia, it 
did not take long to renew their acquaintance, 
which appears to have been satisfactory to both 
parties. He was lionized in a manner rather 
grateful to his self-esteem, there being many of 
all ranks who "were desirous to see and hear 
his behaviour." He told Smith that the mnin 
purpose of his commission from Powhatan was 
to find him out, not merely to present his com- 
pliments, or for old acquaintance sake, but that 
he might show him his English God whom he 
worshipped, the king, the queen, and the prince, 
of which he had given them such marvel- 
lous accounts in Virginia. "Concerning God," 
says Smith, "I told him the best I could; the 
king I heard he had seen ; and the rest he should 
see when he would. He denied ever to have 
seen the king, till by circumstances he was sat- 
isfied he had;" when, with an expression of 
countenance which showed a proper estimate 
of the inexpressible sordidness of King James, 
he replied, "You gave Powhatan a white dog, 
which he fed as himself; but your king gave me 
nothing, and yet 1 am better than your white 
dog!" This unsophisticated chief had no no- 



CAI'TAIiV JUH?v SMI Til. 223 

tion of the parsimony which disgraced King 
James throughout his Hfe — infusing itself into 
every transaction, from the most trivial to the 
most important — amounting in many instances 
to what would have been regarded, in this pro- 
gressive age, as the meanest kind of dishonesty. 
The aftairs of the Virginia Company under- 
went some material modification while our "il- 
lustrious strangers" sojourned in England, by 
me&ns-of which Captain Argall was appointed 
" deputy-governor of the colony, and admiral of 
the country and seas adjoining." A ship was 
fitted out for him in the beginning of 1617, and 
arrangements made for the return of Pocahon- 
tas and her suite — the treasurer and council 
providing suitable accommodations for herself 
and husband on board the admiral's ship. Mr. 
Rolfe was also made secretary and recorder- 
general of Virginia, which office was now first 
instituted; but his young wife, whose atTection- 
ate devotion he prized above all honors and re- 
wards, was never again to behold her native 
land. Her eyes were to be closed among 
strangers, far from the happy scenes of her 
childhood, and from the anxious care of her j| 
well-beloved father, who, savage though he was, 
had ever manifested for her the tenderest regard. 
While at Gravesend, (early in 1617,) making 
preparations for her departure, "it pleased God," 
says Smith, "to take this young lady to his 
mercy, where she made not more sorrow for her 
unexpected death, than joy to the beholders, to 
hear and see her make so religious and godlv an 



224 LIFE A\D ADVENTURES OF 

end. Her little child, Thomas Rolfe, was left 
at Plymouth with Sir Lewis Steukley," who 
was desirous of undertaking the care of rearing 
and educating it as his own; but unforeseen 
misfortunes frustrating his praiseworthy design, 
the little fellow was subsequently taken to Lon- 
don, where he was educated by his uncle, Mr. 
Henry Rolfe, and afterwards became a person 
of fortune and distinction in Virginia. We are 
told by Stith that he left an only daughter, who 
was married to Colonel Robert Boiling, by whom 
she had an only son. Major John Boiling, who 
was father to Colonel John BolUng and several 
daughters. These were married to Colonel 
Richard Randolph, Colonel John Fleming, Dr. 
William Gay, Mr. Thomas Eldridge, and Mr. 
James Murray. "This remnant of the impe- 
rial family of Virginia, which long ran in a sin- 
gle person, is now increased and branched out 
into a very numerous pjogeny " — many of whom 
are more prone to boast of their descent from 
Pocahontas, than to imitate the virtues and 
graces for which she was so singularly distin- 
guished. It is well known that the late John 
Randolph — celebrated alike for his talents, his 
patriotism, and his eccentricities— was prouder 
of the relation he bore to his amiable ancestress, 
distant though it was, than of all his achieve- 
ments as a scholar, a statesman, or a sportsman. 
The historian, the poet, and the painter, have 
all been eloquent in depicting the character of 
Pocahontas; her fame is in all lands, and her 
praise is on all tongues. Had we the ability to 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 225 

do justice to the theme, we should shrink in- 
stinctively from the task, as a vain attempt to 
"add a perfume to the violet." We cannot, 
however, resist the temptation to transplant 
what follows from Mr. Hillard's excellent life of 
Captain Smith: 

" It is difficult to speak of the character of Poca- 
hontas, without falling into extravagance. Thougli 
our wliole knowledge of her is confined to a kw bril- 
liant and striking incidents, yet there is in them so 
coniplete a consistency, that reason, as well as imagin- 
ation, permits us to construct the whole character from 
those occasional manifestations. She seems to have 
possessed every quality essential to the peifection of 
the female character; the most graceful modesty, 
the most winning sensibility, strong affections, ten- 
derness and delicacy of feeling, dovelike gentleness, 
and most entire disinterestedness. These beautiful 
qualities were not in her nurtured and trained by the 
influences of refined life, but were the native and 
spontaneous growth of her heart and soul. 

"Her mind iiad not been formed and fed by books, 
or the conversation of the gifted and cultivated ; the 
nameless graces of polished life had not surrounded 
her from her birth, and created that tact in manner 
and deportment, and becoming propriety in carriage 
and conversation, which all well-bred people, however 
differing originally in refinement and delicacy of 
perception, seem to possess in about the same degree ; 
nor had the coarse forms of actual life been, to her 
eyes, concealed by the elegant drapery which civili- 
zation throws over them. From her earliest years 
she had been familiar with rude ways of living, un- 
couth habits, and lawless passions. Yet she seems 



1 



226 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

to have been, from the first, a being distinct from 
and unlike her people, though in the midst of them. 
She reminds one of a delicate wild-flovver, growing 
up in the cleft of a rock, where the eye can discern 
no soil for its roots to grasp, and sustain its slender 
stalk. We behold her as she came from the hands of 
her Maker, who seems to have created her in a spirit 
of rebuke to the pride of civilization, giving to an 
Indian girl, reared in the depths of a Virginian forrst, 
that symmetry of feminine loveliness, which we but 
seldom see, with all our helps and appliances, and 
all that moral machinery with which we work upon 
the raw material of character. 

"But in our admiration of what is lovely and at- 
tractive in the character of Pocahontas, we must not 
overlook the higher moral qualities, which command 
respect almost to reverence. Moral courage, dignity, 
and independence are among her most conspicuous 
traits. Before we can do justice to them, we must 
take into consideration the circumstances under which 
they were displayed. At the time when the English 
first appeared in Virginia, she was a child but twelve 
or thirteen years old. These formidable strangers 
immediately awakened in the breast of her people 
the strongest passions of hatred and fear, and Captain 
Smith, in particular, was looked upon as a being 
whose powers of injuring them were irresistible and 
superhuman. What could have been more natural 
than that this young girl should have had all these 
feelings exaggerated by the creative imagination of 
childhood, that Captain Smith should have haunted 
her dreams, and that she should not have had the 
courage to look upon the man to whom her excited 
fancy had given an outward appearance correspond- 
in<r to his frijilitful altiibutes? 



CAl'TAIN JOHN SAIITH. 227 

"But the very first act of her life, as known to us, 
puts lier far above tl»e notions and prejudices of her 
people, and stamps at once a seal of marked superi- 
ority upon her character. And from this elevation 
she never descends. Her motives are peculiar to 
herself, and take no tinge from the passions and 
opinions around her. She thinks and acts for her- 
self, and does not hesitate, when thereto constrained, 
to leave her father, and trust for protection to that 
respect which was awakened alike by her high birth 
and hi^h character amono; the whole Indian race. 
It is certainly a remarkable combination which we 
see in her, of gentleness and sweetness, with strength 
of mind, decision, and firm consistency of purpose, 
and would be so in any female, reared under the 
most favorable influences. 

'* The lot of Pocahontas may be considered a happy 
one, notwithstanding the pang which her affectionate 
nature must have felt, in being called so early to 
part from her husband and child. It was her good 
fortune to be the instrument, in the hand of Provi- 
dence, for bringing about a league of peace and 
amity between her own nation and the English, a con- 
summation most agreeable to her taste and feelings. 
The many favors which she bestowed upon the co- 
lonists, were by them gratefully acknowledged, and 
obtained for her a rich harvest of attentions in Eng- 
land. Her name and deeds have not been suffered 
to pass out of the minds of men, nor are they dis- 
cerned only by the glimmering light of tradition. 
Captain Smith seems so have repaid the vast debt of 
gratitude which he owed her, by the immortality 
which his eloquent and feeling pen has given her. 
Who has not heard the beautiful story of her heroism, 
and who that has heard it has not felt his heart throb 



228 LiFE A?CD ADVENTURES OF 

quick with generous admiration? She has become 
one of the darlings of history, and her name is as 
familiar as a household word to the numerous and 
powerful descendants of the ' feeble folk,' whom she 
protected and befriended. 

"She has been a powerful, though silent, advocate 
in behalf of the race to which she belonged. Her 
deeds have covered a multitude of their sins. When 
disgusted with numerous recitals of their cruelty 
and treachery, and about to pass an unfavorable 
judgment in our minds upon the Indian character, 
at the thought of Pocahontas our ' rigor relents.' 
With a softened heart, we are ready to admit that 
there must have been fine elements in a people from 
among whom such a being could spring." 

Having thus disposed of the characters who 
figured in this necessary episode of our history, 
we shall hereafter confine ourselves to inci- 
dents more immediately connected with Cap- 
tain Smith. 



CArTAIN JOHN SMITH. 229 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Smith's Efforts to colonize New England and establish Fish- 
eries — Causes of Holland's Prosperity — Resources of New 
Eng-land — Appeal to the Spirit of Independence — Death of 
Powhatan : His Successor — Treachery of Opechancanough 
— Jack of the Feather — Horrible Massacre of the Settlers : 
its Effect upon the Colony — Retribution — Offer of Smith — 
Slanders of Argall and his Associates against the Colony — 
Favorable Testimony of Smith: Recapitulation of his Vir- 
ginian Adventures: His Answers to Interrogatories pro- 
pounded by Commissioners to investigate the Affairs of the 
Colony — Abrogation of the Charter of the Virginia Company 
— Smith engages in the publication of several Valuable 
Works : His Death : Prominent Characteristics. 

Captain Smith's book, entitled, "New Eng- 
land's Tryal," was the first to recommend the 
formation of new settlements in this unregarded 
country; "but after the business was made plain, 
and likely to prosper," some who had at once 
eagerly embarked in it, not only forgot his 
claims and their promises, but also endeavored 
to deprive him of the credit of having originated 
the project. The perishing of his bright pros- 
pects at Plymouth, he could submit to with be- 
coming fortitude and Christian resignation; but 
when he perceived a lukewarmness on the part 
of many others, who were foremost in their 
proffers of assistance at the onset, he almost 
gave up in despair, concluding that "all availed 
no more than to hew rocks with oyster-shells." 
As a last resort, he "caused two or three thou- 
sand of his books to be printed ; one thousand 
of which, with a great many maps, both of Vir- 
20 



230 LIFE AND ADVENT'J'UfiS OF i 

ginia and New England, he presented to thirty ,j 
of the chief companies of London," offering •] 
'•to ease them of tlie superfluity of the most of ;| 
their companies that had but health and sti-ength J 
to labor," if they would but put to the right use j 
a stock of about five thousand pounds. He I 
waited nearly a year, of course in a state of j! 
anxious solicitude, to learn the result of their 
deliberations; which, he says, "was to me a 
greater toile and torment than to have been in 
New England about my businesse jjyit with bred 
and water, and what I could get there by my 
labor. But in conclusion, seeing nothing would 
be effected, I was contented as well with this 
losse of time and charge as all the rest." 

Despite the untoward discouragements en- 
countered by Smith, which would have effectu- 
ally checked the exertions of any ordinary indi- 
vidual, he pertinaciously continued to urge upon 
public attention not only the feasibility of his 
colonizing schemes, but also the importance of 
the fisheries which existed throughout the whole 
coast of New England. Among his arguments 
and deductions, are many matters which exhibit 
a depth of reasoning unsurpassed by the most 
accomplished scholars, and which subsequent 
developments prove to have been well founded. 
The single advantage of the trade in fish is 
forcibly insisted on, and is clearly illustrated by 
the following allusion to the prosperity of Hol- 
land : 

'■Wlio doth not know that the poore Hjllandi- 
ers, chiefly by fishing at a great charge and 



CAI'TAiN JOHN SMITH. 231 

laboui' in all weathers in the open sea, ai^e male 
a people so hardy and industrious? And bv the 
vending this poore conimoditie to.tiie Easter- 
lings for as meane — which is wood, flux, pitch, 
tarre, rozen, cordage, and such like, which ihey 
exchange againe to the Fi-ench, S{)aniards, Por- 
tugals, and English, &c., for what they want — 
are made so mighty, strong, and ricii, as no state 
but Venice of twice their magnitude is so well 
furnished, with so many fair cities, goodly townes, 
strong fortresses, and that abundance of shipping, 
and all sorts of merchandize, as well of gold, 
silver, pearles, diamonds, pretious stones," &c. 
* # # * "What voiages and discover- 
ies — east and west, north and south — yea, about 
the world — make they? What an army by sea 
and land have they long maintained, in despight 
of one of the greatest princes of the worlct! 
And never could the Spaniard, with all his 
mines of gold and silver, pay his debts, his 
friends, and army, half so truly as the Holland- 
ers still have done by this contemptible trade of 
fish! Divers (I know) may alleage many other 
assistances; but this is the chiefest ruine, and 
the sea the source of those silver streames of 
all their vertue, which hath made them now the 
very miracle of industry, the onely patterne of 
perfection for these affaires: and the benefit of 
fishing is thsit primum mobile that turns all their 
spheares to this height of plentie, strength, honor, 
and exceeding great admiration." # # * 
"If these can gain, why should we more doubt 
than they? * * * Here every man may 



232 LIFE AND ADVENTURES UF 

be master of his own laboui' and land; and if 
he have nothing but his hands, he may set up 
his trade, and by industry quickly grow rich, 
spending but half that time well which in Eng- 
land we abuse in idlenesse, worse, or as ill. 
Here is ground as good as any lieth in the height 
of forty-one, forty-two, forty-three, &c., which 
is as temperate and as fruitful as any other par- 
allel in the world." 

After expatiating upon the inexhaustible re- 
sources of the new country, (the fishery being 
always kept prominent,) he reverts to the ad- 
vantages inseparable from forming settlements, 
and thus appeals to the higher principles which 
should actuate men in aiding his plans: 

"Who can desire more content that hath 
small meanes, or but onely his merit to advance 
his fortunes, than to tread and plant that ground 
he hath purchased by the hazard of his \\ie? If 
he have but the taste of vertue and magnanim- 
ity, what to such a minde can be more pleasant 
than planting and building a foundation for his 
posterity, got from the rude earth by God's bless- 
ing and his owne industry without prejudice to 
any? If he have any grain of faith or zeale in 
religion, what can he doe lesse hurtful! to any, 
or more agreeable to God, than to seeke to con- 
vert those poore salvages to know Christ and 
humanity, whose labours with discretion will 
triple requite the charge and paine? What so 
truly sutes with honor and honesty as the dis- 
covering things unknowne, erecting townes, 
peopling countries, informing the ignorant, re- 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 233 

forming things unjust, and teaching vertue and 
gaine to our native mother-country ? * # # 
"So farre from wronging any, as to cause pos- 
terity to remember thee, and, remembering the?, 
ever honor that remembrance with praise." 

Thus Smith continued for several years to 
iterate and reiterate his favorable "conclusions" 
in regard to New England. His publications 
must have cost a large amount of money, to say 
nothing of the loss of his valuable time. But 
although he reaped no personal benefit, many 
others profited by his suggestions ; and it is un- 
deniable that the chief impetus given to emigra- 
tion hitherwards, and, more particularly towards 
the northern and eastern coasts, was attributa- 
ble, directly or indirectly, to his unceasing labors. 

Leaving the captain for a brief space, let us 
once more turn our attention to the affairs of 
the settlers in Virginia. Powhatan did not long 
survive the death of his daughter Pocahontas, 
but died the year following (1618), and was 
succeeded by his second brother, Opitchapan, 
"an easy, decrepit, and unactive prince," who 
subsequently became a most pliant tool in aid- 
ing the wily designs of Opechancanough, the 
prime mover in all the treachery which after- 
wards marked the conduct of the Indians. 

Notwithstanding they both renewed and con- 
firmed the league with the English, by which 
every man was guarantied the peaceable pursuit 
of his ordinary avocations and enjoyments, yet 
the Indians were, at the same time, busily and 
extensively plotting the destruction of the set- 



234 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

tlement "at one fell swoop;" and at length, by 
means of a well-contrived arrangement of Op.j- 
chancanough's, their mm'derous design was but 
too far successful. So completely did they blind 
the settlers by their duplicity, that, says an old 
chronicler, they even "borrowed our boats to 
transport themselves over the river to consult on 
the devilish murder that ensued, and of our ut- 
ter extirpation, which God of his mercy (by the 
meanes of one of themselves converted to 
Christianitie) prevented." Although somewhat 
prolix, perhaps the following account of this 
shocking event, condensed from Stith, may be 
more acceptable than a modern version: 

" This year (1622) is rendered most memorable 
in our annals, by a cruel and bloody massacre, 
concerted by Opechancanough and the Indians, 
and executed on the English colony, on the 22d 
of March, upon the following occasion and man- 
ner. There v/as a noted Indian, called Nemat- 
tanow, who was wont, out of bravery and 
parade, to dress himself up, in a strange antic 
and barbaric fashion, with feathers; which 
therefore obtained him, among the English, the 
name of Jack of the Feather. This Indian was 
highly renowned among his countrymen for 
courage and policy ; and was universally es- 
teemed by them the greatest war-captain of 
those times. He had been in many skirmishes 
and engagements with the English, and bravely 
exposed his person; yet by his activity, conduct, 
and good fortune, he had always escaped with- 
out a wound. This, aided by his craft and 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 235 

ambition, easily wrouglit in the minds of those 
ignorant and superstitious barbarians, a fond 
conceit that he was invulnerable and immortal. 
This captain came to the house of one Morgan, 
who had many such commodities as suited the 
rude taste of the Indians. Being smit with the 
desire of some of those baubles, he persuaded 
Morgan to go with him to Pamunkey, upon the 
promise and assurance of a certain and advan- 
tageous traffic. But, upon the way, he mur- 
dered the poor credulous Englishman; and with- 
in two or three days returned again to his house. 
There were only two sturdy lads there, the late 
Mororan's servants; who seeing him wear their 
master's cap, asked for their master, and Jack 
frankly told them he was dead. Being con- 
firmed in their suspicion, they seized him, and 
endeavored to carry him before Mr. Thorpe, 
who then lived at Berkeley. But Jack so pro- 
voked them by his resistance and insolence, that 
at last they shot him down, and put him into a 
boat, in order to carry him before the governor, 
who was then within seven or eight miles of the 
place. On the way, our fainting immortal felt 
the pangs of death very strong upon him, and 
earnestly entreated the boys to grant him two 
things: first, never to make it known that he 
was slain bv a bullet; and secondly, to bury 
him amojig the English, that the certain knowl- 
edge and monument of his mortality might be 
still concealed, nnd kept from the sight of his 
countrymen. 

"As' to this warrior, [Jack of the Feather] 



2o6 LIFE A.\D ADVENTURES OF 

Opechancanough was so far from being in his 
favor, that he had sent word to Sir George 
Yeardley, some time before, that he should be 
content if his thi'oat were cut. Yet he being a 
popular man, and much lamented by the Indians, 
Opechancanough pretended, the better to inflame 
and exasperate them, to be much grieved at his 
death, and was very loud at first in his threats 
of revenge. But the reason and justice, of the 
thing being evinced, and receiving also some 
stern and resolute answers from the English, he 
cunningly dissembled his intent for the present, 
and treated a messenger, sent to him about the 
middle of March, with extreme civility and 
kindness, assuring him that he held the peace so 
firm, that the sky should fall sooner than it 
should be violated on his part. And such was 
the treachery and dissimulation of the rest of 
the Indians, that, but two days before, they 
kindly conducted the English through the woods, 
and sent home one that lived among them to 
learn their language. Nay, on the very morn- 
ing of that fatal day, as also the evening before, 
they came, as at other times, unarmed into the 
houses of the English, with deer, turkies, fish, 
fruits, and other things to sell; and in some 
places sat down to breakfast with them. Yet 
so general was the combination, and their plot 
so well laid, to cut off the whole colony in one 
day, and at the same instant, that they had all 
warning, one from another, through all their 
habitations, though far distant from each other, 
and every party and nation had their stations 



I 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 237 

appointed, and parts assigned at the plantations 
of the English, some being directed to one place 
and some to another. 

"The English, on the other hand, were so 
confident and secure, that there could seldom 
be met with in their houses a sword or a fire- 
lock, and most of their plantations were seated 
in a scattered and straggling manner, as a con- 
venient situation or a choice vein of rich land 
invited them; and indeed it was generally 
thought, the further from neighbours the better. 
All Indians were kindly received into their 
houses, fed at their tables, and even lodged in 
their bedchambers; so that they seemed entirely 
to have coalesced, and to live together as one 
people. 

"The hour appointed being come, and the In- 
dians, by reason of their familiarity, knowing 
exactly in what places and quarters every Eng- 
lishman was to be found, rose upon them at 
once, sparing neither sex nor age — man, woman, 
nor child; and they were so quick and sudden 
in their execution, that few perceived the weap- 
on or blow that brought them to their end. 
Some entered their houses under color of trade; 
others drew them abroad under specious pi"e- 
tences; whilst the rest fell suddenly on those 
that were at their several works and labors. 
And thus, in one hour, and almost at the same 
instant, fell three hundred and forty-seven--- 
men, women, and children; most of them by 
♦heir own tools and weapons, and all by the 
hands of a perfidious, naked, and dastardly 



---^ 



23) Llf^E AND ADVEXTURES OF 

people, who durst not stand the presenting of a 
staff in manner of a firelock, nor an uncharged 

f'iece in the hands of a woman. Neither were 
hey content with their lives only, but they fell 
ag^in upon their dead bodies, defacing, dragging, 
and mangling them into many pieces, and car- 
rying some parts away with a base and brutish 
triumph. 

"This slaughter was a deep and grievous 
wound to the yet weak and infant colony; but 
it would have been much more general, and 
almost universal, if God had not put it into the 
heart of a converted Indian to make a discovery. 
This convert, whose name was Chanco, lived 
with one Richard Pace, who treated him as his 
own son. The night before the massacre, 
another Indian, his brother, lay with him; and 
telling him the king's command, and that the 
execution would be performed the next day, he 
urged him to rise and kill Pace, as he intended 
to do by Perry, his friend. As soon as his 
brother was gone, the Christian Indian rose, and 
went and revealed the whole matter to Pace ; 
who immediately gave notice thei'eof to Cap- 
tain WiHiam Powel, and having secured his own 
house, rowed off before day to Jamestown, and 
informed the governor of it. By this means, 
their design was prevented at Jamestown, and 
all such plantations as could possibly get intel- 
ligence in time. For wherever they saw the 
English upon their guard, or a single musket 
presented, they ran off, and abandoned their 
attempt."* 

* Stith. 



C.\i'TAi\' JOHN SMITH, 



It would be superfluous to dwell upon ihe use- 
less regrets attendant upon this wholesale butch- 
ery, both among the remaining settlers and 
among the people in England. Many were the 
projects set on foot to remedy what was not 
lemedial: and although all parties interested, 
and particularly the Virginia Company, were 
somewhat staggered "to understand of such a 
supposed impossible loss, as that so many should 
fail by the hands of men so contemptible," yet 
all this did not so discourage the adventurers as 
to debar them from continuing to dispatch divers 
ships with such supplies and assistance as were 
deemed necessary for resuscitating and invigor- 
ating the colony. 

In this tiying emergency, application was made 
to Captain Smith for such suggestions as he 
might choose to offer relative to the future reg- 
ulation of the colony, and to the subjugation 
and civilization of the Indians. He had ever 
been of the opinion that gentleness and kindness 
were not the most effective means of. bringina 
the Indians over; and in this opinion he was 
supported by Mr. Stockham and Mr. Whitaker, 
two clergymen of note among the settlers. It 
seemed to be the general impression that "Mars 
and Minerva should go hand in hand, as well in 
their conversion as in all other transactions and 
intercourse." With a promptitude and devotion 
characteristic of the man, Smith tendered his 
services to the company, and proposed " that tlvj 
should transport him, with an hundred soldiers 
and thirty sailors, and all proper provisions and 



240 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

ammunition; and should give him a bark of an 
hundred tons, with means and materials to build 
six or seven shallops, to transport his men from 
place to place, as occasion required ; and then 
he undertook to form a flying camp, and to 
range about and torment the Indians, till he 
either obliged them to quit the country, or 
brought them into such fear and subjection, that 
every man should follow his business in peace 
and security. And as to the support and sub- 
sistence of this party, he thought, if his majesty 
were truly informed of the necessity and benefit 
of the thing, he would give the customs of Vir- 
ginia for a time. For, without some such method, 
it was much to be doubted whether there would 
come, in a few years, either customs or any thing 
else from thence to England. And he doubted 
not but that the planters would, according to 
their several abilities, contribute towards so use- 
ful and necessary a design. But he insisted that 
the governors should not be permitted, by virtue 
of their authority, to take his men away, or any 
thing else, to employ them, as they thought 
proper. And he farther promised, to make the 
best use of his experience, as well within the 
limits of Virginia as New England, to bring 
them both into one map, with all the counti'ies 
that lay between them. As to the reward of 
his own pains and danger, he asked not any thing 
but what he could raise from the proper labor 
of the savages themselves. This proposal was 
well approved by most that heard it; but such 
were their divisions and confusion at that time, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 241 

that he could obtain no other answer, but that 
the expense would be too great, and their stock 
was exhausted ; and they thought the planters 
should do something of that nature themselves, 
if they could find sufficient means to effect it. 
However, he was given to understand, as he 
tells us, that if he would undertake the thing 
upon his own private account, he might have 
the company's leave ; provided, they might have 
half the pillage. But he rejected this intimation 
with scorn; thinking, that all the pillage of those 
poor and naked barbarians, except a little corn, 
to be had at some times of the year, would not, 
in twenty years, amount to twenty pounds."* 

A murderous retribution, alike savage as the 
act which occasioned it, was visited on the In- 
dians : their villages were razed, their crops de- 
stroyed, and themselves shot down with as little 
compunction as so many wild beasts. Indeed, 
brutality in their persecution was for a long 
time afterwards regarded as a merit worthy of 
high esteem, and the consequence was an almost 
indiscriminate slaughter, in which the innocent 
were frequently involved with the guilty. 

About this time, several discontented adven- 
turers, at the head of whom was Captain Argall, 
were at great pains to discourage the plans of 
settlement adopted by the Virginia Company. 
Written and oral statements were circulated, 
which were well calculated to exercise a disas- 
trous effect upon the extension and prosperity of 
the infant colony, and which finally occasioned 
* Stith. 
21 



242 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the appointment of commissioners to investigate 
the aspersions so ilHberally made against the sit- 
uation of the colony itself, and against many 
who were actively engaged in promoting its 
success. Of course, in an emergency of this 
kind, Smith was foremost in rendering his testi- 
mony for the right; and, in an early stage of the 
proceedings, he furnished the following synopsis 
of what his experience had taught him relative 
to the colony and its prospects: 

" Honourable Gentlemen : for so many faire 
and nauigable riuers so neere adioyning, and piercing 
thorow so faire a naturall land, free from any inun- 
dations, or large fenny vnwholesome marshes, I haue 
not seene, read, nor heard of: and for the building 
of cities, townes and wharfage, if they will vse the 
meanes, where there is no more ebb nor floud, nature 
in few places affoords any so conuenient, for salt 
marshes or quagmires. In this tract of lames towne 
riuer I know very few ; some small marshes and 
swamps there are, but more profitable than hurtfuU; 
and I think there is more low marsh ground betwixt 
ErifFe and Chelsey, than Kecoughtan and the falls, 
which is about one hundred and eighty miles by the 
course of the riuer. 

"Being inioyned by our commission not to vnplant 
nor wrong the saluages, because the channel was so 
neere the shore, where now is lames towne, then a 
thicke groue of trees ; wee cut them downe, where 
the saluages pretea.ding as much kindnesse as could 
bee, they hurt and slew one and twenty of vs in two 
houres: at this time our diet was for most part water 
and bran, and three ounces of little better stuffe in 
bread for fiue men a meale, and thus we lined neere 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 243 

three moneths: our lodgings vnder boughes of trees, 
the saluages being our enemies, whom we neither 
knew no vnderstood ; occasions I thinke sufficient to 
make men sicke and die. 

"Necessity thus did inforce me with eight or nine, 
to try conclusions amongst the saluages, that we got 
provision which recouered the rest being most sicke. 
Six weekes I was led captiue by those barbarians, 
though some of my men were slaine, and the rest 
fled, yet it pleased God to make their great king's 
daughter the meanes to returne me safe to lames 
towne, and releeue our wants, and then our common- 
wealth was in all eight and thirty, the remainder of 
one hundred and fiue. 

"Being supplied with one hundred and twenty, 
with twelue men in a boat of three tuns, I spent four- 
teene weeks in those large waters ; the contents of 
the way of my boat protracted by the skale of pro- 
portion, was about three thousand miles, besides the 
river we dwell vpon, where no Christian knowne euer 
was, and our diet for the most part what we could 
finde, yet but one died. 

"The saluages being acquainted that by command 
from England we durst not hurt them, were much 
imboldned ; that famine and their insolencies did force 
me to break our commission and instructions, cause 
Powhatan fly his countrey, and take the king of Pa- 
mavuke prisoner; and also to keepe the king of 
Paspahegh in shackles, and put his men to double 
taskes in chaines, till nine and thirty of their kings 
paid vs contribution, and the offending saluages sent to 
lames towne to punish at our owne discretions : in 
the two last yeares I staid there, I had not a man 
slaine. 

"All those conclusions being not able to preuent 



244 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

the bad euents of pride and idlenesse, hauing re- 
ceiued another supply of seuentie, we were about two 
hundred in all, but not twentie work-men : in follow- 
ing the strict directions from England to doe that 
was impossible at that time ; so it hapned, that neither 
wee nor they had any thing to eat, but what the 
countrey afforded naturally ; yet of eightie who lined 
vpon oysters in lune and luly, with a pint of corn a 
week for a man lying under trees, and 120 for the most 
part lining vpon sturgion, which was dried til we 
pounded it to powder for meale, yet in ten weeks but 
seuen died. 

"It is true, we had of tooles, armes, and munition 
sufficient, some aquavitse, vinegar, meale, pease, and 
oatmeale, but in two yeares and a halfe not sufficient 
for six moneths, though by the bils of loading the 
proportions sent vs, would well haue contented vs, 
notwithstanding we sent home ample proofes of pitch, 
tar, sope ashes, wainskot, clapboord, silke grasse, 
iron ore, some sturgion and glasse, saxefras, cedar, 
cypris, and blacke walnut, crowned Powhatan, sought 
the Monacans countrey, according to the instructions 
sent vs, but they caused vs neglect more necessary 
workes: they had better haue giuen for pitch and 
sope ashes one hundred pound a tun in Denmarke : 
wee also maintained fine or six seuerall plantations. 

"lames towne being burnt, wee rebuilt it and three 
forts more, besides the church and store-house, we 
had about fortie or fiftie seuerall houses to keepe vs 
warme and dry, inuironed with a palizado of four- 
teene or fifteene foot, and each as much as three or 
foure men could carrie. We digged a faire well of 
fresh water in the fort, where wee had three bulwarks, 
foure and twenty peece of ordnance, of culverin, 
demiculverin, sacar and falcon, and most well 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 245 

mounted vpon conuenient plat-formes, planted one 
hundred acres of corne. We had but six ships to 
transport and supply vs, and but two hundred seuentv 
seuen men, boies, and women, by whose labours 
Virginia being brought to this kinde of perfection, 
the most difficulties past, and the foundation thus laid 
by this small meanes; yet because we had done no 
more, they called in our commission, tooke a new 
in their owne names, and appointed vs neere as many 
offices and officers as I had souldiers, that neither 
knew vs nor wee them, without our consent or 
knowledge; since there haue gone more than one 
hundred ships of other proportions, and eight or ten 
thousand people. Now if you please to compare 
what hath beene spent, sent, discouered and done this 
fifteene yeares, by that we did in the three first 
yeares, and every gouernour that hath beene there 
since, giue you but such an account as this, you may 
easily finde what hath beene the cause of those dis- 
asters in Virginia. 

"Then came in Captaine Argall, and Master Se- 
dan, in a ship of Master Cornelius, to fish for stur- 
gion, who had such good prouision, we contracted 
with them for it, whereby we were better furnished 
than euer. 

"Not long after came in seuen ships, with about 
three hundred people ; but rather to supplant vs than 
supply vs. their admirall with their authoritie being 
cast away in the Bermudas, very angry they were 
we had made no bette. prouision for them. Seuen 
or eight weekes we withstood the invndations of these 
disorderly humors, till I was neere blowne to death 
with gun-powder, which occasioned me to returne 
for England. 

"In the yeare 1609 about Michaelmas, I left the 

21* 



246 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

countrey, as is formerly related, with three ships, 
seuen boats, commodities to trade, haruest newly 
gathered, eight weeks prouision of corne and meale, 
about fiue hundred persons, three hundred muskets, 
shot, powder, and match, with armes for more men 
than we had. The saluages, their language and 
habitation, well knowne to two hundred expert soul- 
diers ; nets for fishing, tooles of all sorts, apparell to 
supply their wants : six mares and a horse, fiue or 
six hundred swine, many more powltry, what was 
brou<jht or bred, but victuall there remained. 

"Hauing spent some fiue yeares, and more than 
fiue hundred pounds in procuring the letters patents 
and setting forward, and neere as much more about 
New England, &c. — Thus these nineteene yeares I 
haue here and there not spared any thing according 
to my abilitie, nor the best ad nice I could, to per- 
swade how those strange miracles of misery might 
haue been preuented, which lamentable experience 
plainly taught me of necessity must insue, but few 
would beleeue me till now too deerely they haue paid 
for it. Wherefore hitherto I haue rather left all than 
vndertake impossibilities, or any more such costly 
taskes at such chargeable rates : for in neither of 
those two countries haue I one foot of land, nor the 
very house I builded, nor the ground I digged with 
my owne hands, nor euer any content or satisfaction 
at all, and though I see ordinarily those two countries 
shared before me by them that neither haue them 
nor knowes them, but by my descriptions : yet that 
doth not so much trouble me, as to heare and see 
those contentions and diuisions which will hazard if 
not ruine the prosperitie of Virginia, if present rem- 
edy bee not found, as they haue hindred many hun- 
dreds, who would haue beene there ere now, and 
makes them yet that are willing to stand in a demun*e. 



c.-.iiT.u.M Joii:; i3..iiTH. 247 

"For the books and maps I haue made, [ will 
tlianke him t!mt will shew me so much for so little 
recompence, and beare with their errors till I haue 
done better. For the materials in them I cannot de- 
ny, but am ready to affirme them both there and here, 
vpon such grounds as I haue propounded, which is 
to haue but fifteene hundred men to subdue againe 
the saluages, fortifie the countrey, discouer that yet 
vnknowne, and both defend and feed their colony, 
which I most humbly refer to his maiesties' most iu- 
diciall iudgement, and the most honourable lords of 
his priuy councell, you his trusty and well-beloued 
commissioners, and the honourable company of 
planters and well-willers to Virginia, New England 
and Sommer-Ilands." 

Not content with the preceding general state- 
ment, the commissioners propounded seven spe- 
cific questions, which, with the answers, are 
recorded by Smith as follows : 

Question 1. What conceiue you is the cause the 
plantation hath prospered no better, since you left it 
in so good a forwardnesse 7 

Answer. Idlenesse and carelessnesse brought all I 
did in three yeeres in six moneths to nothing, and of 
fiue hundred I left, scarce threescore remained, and 
had Sir Thomas Gates not got from the Bermudas, I 
thinke they had beene all dead before they could be 
supplied. 

Quest. 2. What conceiue you should he the cause, 
though the country he good, there comes nothing but 
tobacco ? 

Answ. The oft altering of gouernours it seemes 
causes euery man make vse of his time, and because 



248 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF . 

corne was stinted at two shillings six pence the 
bushell ; and tobacco at three shillings the pound, 
and they value a man's labour a yeere worth fifty or 
threescore pound, but in corne not worth ten pound, 
presuming tobacco will furnish them with all things ; 
now make a man's labour in corne worth threescore 
pound, and in tobacco but ten pound a man, then 
shall they haue ro^'ne sufficient to entertaine all 
commers, and keepe their people in health to doe any 
thing, but till then, there will be little or nothing to 
any purpose. 

Quest. 3. What conceiue you to haue beene the 
cause of the massacre, and had the saluages had the 
vse of any peeces in your time, or vjhen, or by whom 
they loere taught ? 

Answ. The cause of the massacre was the want 
of marshall discipline, and because they would haue 
all the English had by destroying those they found 
so carelessly secure, that they were not prouided to 
defend themselves against any enemy, being so dis- 
persed as they were. In my time, though Captaine 
Nuport furnished them with swords by truck, and 
many fugitiues did the like, and some peeces they 
got accidentally, yet I got the most of them againe, 
and it was death to him that should shew a saluage 
the vse of a peece. — Since I vnderstand they became 
so good shot, they were imployed for fowlers and 
huntsmen by the English. 

Quest. 4. What cJiarge think you would haue set-, 
led the gouernment both for defence and planting lohen 
you left it ? 

Answ. Twenty thousand pound would haue hired 
good labourers and mechanicall men, and haue fur- 
nished them with cattell and all necessaries, and 100. 
of them would haue done more then a thousand of 



^=:J} 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 249 

those that went, though the Lord Laware, Sir Ferdi- 
nando Waynman, Sir Thomas Gates and Sir Thomas 
Dale were perswaded to the contrary, but when they 
had tried, they confessed their error. 

Quest. 5. What conceiue you would he the remedy 
and the charge ? 

Answ. The remedy is to send souldiers and all 
sorts of labourers and necessaries for them, that they 
may be there by next Michaelmas, the which to doe 
well will stand you in fiue thousand pound, but if 
his maiesty would please to lend two of his ships to 
transport them, lesse would serue, besides the benefit 
of his grace to the action would encourage all men. 

Quest. 6. What thinke you are the defects of the 
gouernment both here and there 7 

Answ. The multiplicity of opinions here, and of- 
ficers there, makes such delaies by questions and 
formalitie, that as much time is spent in complement 
as in action; besides, some are so desirous to imploy 
their ships, hauing six pounds for euery passenger, 
and three pounds for euery tun of goods, at which 
rate a thousand ships may now better be procured 
than one at the first, when the common stocke de- 
frayed all fraughts, wages, prouisions and magazines, 
whereby the ships are so pestred, as occasions much 
sicknesse, diseases and mortality, for though all the 
passengers die they are sure of their fraught; and 
then all must be satisfied with oi'ations, disputations, 
excuses and hopes. As for the letters of aduice from 
hence, and their answers thence, they are so well 
written, men would beleeue there were no great 
doubt of the performance, and that all things were 
well, to which error here they haue beene euer much 
subiect ; and there not to beleeue, or not to releeue 
the true and poore estate of that colony, whose fruits 



250 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

were commonly spent before they were ripe, and this 
losse is nothing to them here, whose great estates are 
not sensible of the losse of their aduentures, and so 
they thinke, or will not take notice ; but it is so with 
all men : but howsoeuer they thinke or dispose of all 
things at their pleasure, I am sure not my selfe one- 
ly, but a thousand others haue not onely spent the 
most of their estates, but the most part haue lost their 
liues and all, onely but to make way for the trial of 
more new conclusions, and he that now will adven- 
ture but twelve pounds ten shillings, shall haue better 
respect and as much favour than he that sixteene 
yeare agoe aduentured as much, except he have 
money as the other hath, but though he haue aduen- 
tured fiue hundred pound, and spent there neuer so 
much time, if hee haue no more and not able to be- 
gin a family of himselfe, all is lost by order of court. 
But in the beginning it was not so, all went then 
out of one purse, till those new deuices haue con- 
sumed both money and purse ; for at first there were 
but six patentees, now more than a thousand, then 
but thirteen Counsailors, now not lesse then a hun- 
dred ; I speake not of all, for there are some both 
honourable and honest, but of those officers which, 
did they manage their owne estates no better than 
the affaires of Virginia, they would quickly fall to 
decay so well as it ; but this is most euident, few of- 
ficers in England it hath caused to turne banquerupts, 
nor for all their complaints would leaue their places, 
neither yet any of their officers there, nor few of the 
rest but they would be at home, but fewer aduen- 
turers here will adventure any more till they see 
the businesse better established, although there be 
some so wilfully improuident they care for nothing 
but to get thither, and then if their friends be dead, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 251 

or want themselues, they die or liue but poorely for 
want of necessaries, and to thinke tlie old planters 
can releeue them were two much simplicity ; for 
who here in England is so charitable to feed two or 
tliree strangers, haue they neuer so much; much 
lesse in Virginia, where thej' want for themselues. 
Now the generall complaint saith, that pride, couet- 
ousnesse, extortion and oppression in a few that in- 
grosses all, then sell all againe to the comminalty at 
what rate they please, yea euen men, women and 
children for who will giue most, occasions no small 
niischiefe amongst the planters. 

As for the company, or those that doe transport 
them, prouided of necessaries, God forbid but they 
should receiue their charges againe with aduantage, 
or that masters there should not haue the same priu- 
ilege ouer their seruants as here, but to sell him or 
her for forty, fifty, or threescore pounds, whom the 
company hath sent ouer for eight or ten pounds at 
the most, without regard how they shall be maintained 
with apparell, meat, drinke and lodging, is odious, 
and their fruits sutable, therefore such merchants it 
were better they were made such merchandize them- 
selues, than suffered any longer to vse that trade, and 
those are defects sufficient to bring a well setled 
common-wealth to misery, much more Virginia. 

Quest. 7. Hoio thinke you it may be rectified ? 

Answ. If his maiestie would please to intitle it to 
his crowne, and yearely that both the gouernours 
here and there may giue their accounts to you, or 
some that are not ingaged in the businesse, that the 
common stocke bee not spent in maintaining one 
hundred men for the gouernour, one hundred for two 
deputies, fifty for the treasurer, fine and twenty for 
the secretary, and more for the marshall and other 



252 LIFE AND ADVE^JTURES OP 

officers who were neuer there nor aduentured any 
thing, but onely preferred by fauour to be lords ouer 
them that broke the ice and beat the path, and must 
teach them what to doe, if any thing happen well, it 
is their glory ; if ill, the fault of the old directors, 
that in all dangers must endure the worst, yet not 
five hundred of them haue so much as one of the 
others ; also that there bee some present course taken 
to.maintaine a garrison to suppresse the saluages, till 
they be able to subsist, and that his maiesty would 
please to remit his custome, or it is to be feared they 
will lose custome and all, for this cannot be done by 
promises, hopes, counsels and countenances, but with 
sufficient workmen and meanes to maintaine them, 
not such delinquents as here cannot be ruled by all 
the lawes in England, yet when the foundation is laid, 
as I haue said, and a common-wealth established, then 
such there may better be constrained to labour than 
here : but to rectifie a common-wealth with debaushed 
people is impossible, and no wise man would throw 
himselfe into such a society, that intends honestly, and 
knowes what he vndertakes, for there is no countrey 
to pillage as the Romans found : all you expect from 
thence must be by labour. 

For the gouernment I thinke there is as much 
adoe about it as the kingdomes of Scotland and Ire- 
land, men here conceiting Virginia as they are, 
erecting as many stately offices as officers with theii 
attendants, as there are labourers in the countrey, 
where a constable were as good as twenty of their 
captaines, and three hundred good souldiers and la- 
borers better then all the rest that goe onely to gel 
the fruits of other mens labours by the title of an 
office. Thus they spend Michaelmas rent in mid- 
summer moone, and would gather their harvest be- 
fore they haue planted their corne. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 253 

As foi" the maintenance of the officers, the first that 
went neuer demanded any, but aduentured good 
summes, and it seemes strange to me, the fruits of 
all their labours. Besides the expence of an hun- 
dred and fifty thousand pounds, and such multitudes 
of people, those collaterall officers could not main- 
taine themselves so well as the old did; and hauing 
now such liberty to doe as to the saluages what they 
will; the others had not. I more than wonder they 
haue not fiue hundred saluages to worke for them 
towards their generall maintenance, and as many 
more to returne some content and satisfaction to the 
aduenturers, that for all their care, charge and dili- 
gence, can heare nor see nothing but miserable 
complaints; therefore vnder your correction to rec- 
tifie all, is with all expedition to passe the authority 
to them who will releeue-them, lest all bee consumed 
ere the differences be determined. And except his 
maiestie vndertake it, or by act of parliament some 
small tax may be granted throughout his dominions, 
as a penny vpon euery poll, called a head-penny; 
two pence vpon euery chimney, or stjme such collec- 
tion might be raised, and that would be sufficient to 
giue a good stocke and many seruants to sufficient 
men of any facultie, and transport them freely for 
paying onely homage to the crovvne of England, and 
such duties to the publike good as their estates in- 
creased, reason should require. Were this put in 
practice, how many people of what quality you please, 
for all those disasters would yet gladly goe to spend 
their Hues there, and by this meanes more good might 
be done in one yeare, than all those pety particular 
vndertakings will effi^ct in twenty. 

For the patent, the king may, if he please, rather 
take it from them that haue it, than from vs who had 



254 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

it first, pretending to his maiesty what great matters 
they would doe, and how little we did, and for any 
thing I can conceiue, had we remained still as at 
first, it is not likely we could haue done much worse ; 
but those oft altering of gouernments are not without 
much charge, hazard and losse. If I be too plaine, 
I humbly craue your pardon; but you requested me, 
therefore I doe but my duty. For the nobility, who 
knowes not how freely both in their purses and as- 
sistances many of them haue beene to aduance it, 
committing the managing of the businesse to inferior 
persons, amongst whom questionlesse also many haue 
done their utmost best, sincerely and truly according 
to their conceit, opinion and vnderstanding ; yet 
grosse errors haue beene committed, but no man Hues 
without his fault; for my owne part, I haue so much 
adoe to amend my owne, I haue no leisure to look 
into any man's particular, but those in generall I 
conceiue to be true. And so I humbly rest. 

Yours to command, I. S. 

The facts elicited in the course of these in- 
vestigations w^ere made a pretext for abrogating 
the charter of the Virginia Company, and the 
management of its affairs was undertaken by 
the king himself, and by creatures vi'ho were 
ever ready and willing to do his bidding. But 
the claims of Smith to advancement were wholly 
neglected, and he was left to the poor consola- 
tion of seeing hundreds avail themselves of the 
fruits of his enterprise, while he was left to bear 
up as best he could against the manifold disap- 
pointments resulting from the non-fulfilment of 
promises made to promote his favorite scheme 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 255 

of colonizing New England. He did not, how- 
ever, brood over his discoui'agenients in idleness: 
his time must have been much occupied in 
gathering materiel tor several works, which were 
published between the years 1623 and 1630, an I 
which were highly serviceable in developing the 
resources of the new world. In 1627, "the 
General History of Virginia, New England, and 
the Somer Isles," made its appearance — the nar- 
rative part of which was made up of the jour- 
nals and letters of those who were concerned 
with him, intermixed with his own observations. 
This was followed in 1629 by " the True Travels, 
Adventures, and Observations of Captain John 
Smith," which is preserved entire in the second 
volume of Churchill's Collections, and to which 
we are mainly indebted for the facts embraced 
in this work. "In the conclusion, he made some 
addition to the history of Virginia, Bermuda, 
New England, and the West Indies, respecting 
things which had come to his knowledge after 
the publication of his general history. He stated 
the inhabitants of Virginia in 1628 at five thou- 
sand, and their cattle about the same nuniber. 
Their produce was chiefly tobacco, but those 
few who attended to their gardens had all sorts 
of fruit and vegetables in grea-t abundance and 
perfection."* 

At the time of his death, he was engaged on 

a work, which he entitled "the History of the 

Sea," no portion of which was probably ever 

published, as it is not to be found in any collec- 

* Belknap. 



256 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 

tion in Europe or America. The precise time 
and manner of iiis death is not now satisfactorily 
known, but "by a note in Josslyn's Voyage it 
appears that he died in 1631, at London, in the 
fifty-second year of his age." The various 
qualities for which he was distinguished, are ad- 
mirably set forth by Mr. Hillard, from whose 
work the following extracts are taken : 

"A very superficial acquaintance with the events 
of Captain Smith's life will be sufficient to convince 
any one that he was a man cast in an uncommon 
mould, and formed alike for the planning and con- 
ducting of great enterprises. He had that happy 
combination of qualities, which gave symmetry to 
his character, and enabled him to assume the most 
important duties and responsibilities. His constitu- 
tional courage was tempered with coolness and self- 
command. The warmth and enthusiasm of his 
temperament never perverted the soundness of his 
judgment. His zeal was not a transient flame, 
quenched by the first experience of difficulty and 
danger, but a deep-seated, indestructible principle, 
which gained strength from opposition, and vigor 
from defeat. 

" The perseverance with which he prosecuted his 
enterprises equalled the ardor with which he under- 
took them. His energy was so great and overflow- 
ing, that he could not be confined to any one sphere 
of duty. We see him at the same time performing 
the offices of a provident governor, a valiant soldier, 
and an industrious laborer, capable alike of com- 
manding and executing. He dreaded nothing so 
much as repose, inactivity, and ease. He seemed to 
court the dangers, toils, and sufferings, v/hich other 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 257 

men shrink from, or encounter only from a sense of 
duty. 

" If we were called upon to say what was his ruling 
and characteristic trait, we should reply, enthusiasm, 
using that word in its highest and best sense, as the 
quality which leads a man to devote himself to some 
great and good object with courage, constancy, and 
self-abandonment, and to exert in its advancement 
and behalf all the energies of his nature, undaunted 
by natural obstacles, "unruffled by opposition, and 
uninfluenced by the insinuations of the malicious, the 
open violence of enemies, and the lukewarmness of 
selfish friends. For the first thirty years of his life, 
we see him without any predominant object of inter- 
est or pursuit, obeying the impulses of a fiery valor 
and a restless spirit of enterprise, 'seeking the bub- 
ble reputation' in desperate skirmishes in an obscure 
corner of Europe, eagerly embracing every oppor- 
tunity of exposing himself to danger and of winning 
glory, prodigal of life and covetous of honor. 

"But, fortunately for himself and for the world, in 
his early manhood he was induced to devote himself 
to the settlement of Amei'ica, an object attractive 
enough to keep his imagination perpetually kindled, 
and vast enough to task all his powers, the prosecu- 
tion of which unfolded in him high qualities of mind 
and character, that the iron routine of the camp could 
never have called forth, and which secured him a 
peaceful glory, far more durable and valuable than 
the laurels of a hundred victories. Henceforward 
this great interest absorbed and monopolized him. 
It supplied the place of friends, kindred, and domes- 
tic ties. He embraced it and labored for it with a 
disinterestedness and a sense of duty, worthy both 
of himself and of the cause. He never made it the 



'^ 



258 LIFE AND ADVENTailES OF 

means of securing pecuniary gain or worldly ad- 
vancement, being content to point out to others the 
way to wealth, while he remained poor himself. He 
never coveted official dignity ; and, when he obtained 
it, he made it no excuse for indolence or self-indul- 
gence, and did not regard it as of so delicate a text- 
ure as to render, a dignified and lofty seclusion 
necessary to preserve it unimpaired. 

"Captain Smith must have been something more 
than mortal, had he possessed so many brilliant and 
substantial good qualities without any tincture of al- 
loy. The frankness of his character reveals to us 
his faults no less than his virtues. He was evidently 
a man of an impatient and irritable temperament, 
expecting to find, in every department of life, the 
prompt and unhesitating character of military obedi- 
ence. He had keen sensibility and lively feelings, 
and was apt to regard as studied neglect or inten- 
tional hostility, what was in fact only lukewarm in- 
difference. His conviction of the importance of 
discipline and subordination made him sometimes 
imperious and tyrannical. The energy and decision 
of his character led him sometimes to adopt question- 
able means to secure a desired result. His high 
spirit and independence made him perhaps unneces- 
sarily rough and haughty in his communications to 
his superiors in station and authority. 

" Nothing is more difficult than, in our intercourse 
with those above us in rank, influence, or considera- 
tion, to hit that exact medium of deportment, which 
is demanded alike by self-respect and by respect to 
others, and which is equally removed from slavish 
fawning and from the unbending stiffiiess generated 
by undue notions of self-importance. We have 
Captain Smith's own authority that he had a great 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 259 

many enemies. These were undoubtedly made by 
his haughty bearing, his uncompromising freedom of 
peech, the warmth of his temper, and the impatience 
of his blood. His resentments were lively, his an- 
tipathies strong, and prudence had never dictated to 
him to refrain from the expression of them. 

"There is one circumstance which may serve to 
palliate some of these weaknesses in Captain Smith. 
His birth was nothing more than respectable in an 
ao-e when the greatest importance was attached to 
nobility. It is easy to perceive that this peculiarity 
in his fortunes may have produced in him a soreness 
of feeling and jealousy of temper; may have made 
him suspicious and fearful, lest he should not receive 
from others the respect and consideration which he 
knew were due to his personal merit. This ine- 
quality between one's lot and one's merits and wishes 
is a severe trial of character, and, in men of high 
spirit, is apt to beget a morbid sensitiveness and pride, 
a surly independence of manner, and a painful un- 
easiness lest their dignity should be ruffled by too 
familiar contact. To this source is undoubtedly to 
be ascribed much of that tartness of expression which 
we find frequently in his writings, and of that haugh- 
tiness which we have every reason to suppose was 
characteristic of his deportment. 

'• With the exception of Sir Walter Raleigh (and 
perhaps Richard Hakluyt) no one did so much to- 
wards colonizing and settling the coast of North 
America. The state of Virginia is under peculiar 
obligations to liim as its virtual founder; since, with- 
out his remarkable personal qualities and indefatiga- 
ble exertions, the colony at Jamestown could never 
have taken root. In reading the history of his ad- 
ministration, we are made to feel, in regard to him, 



260 LIFE AlSro ADVENTURES OF 

as we do in regard to Washington, when we contem- 
plate the events of the American Revolution : that he 
was a being specially appointed by Divine Providence 
to accomplish the work intrusted to him. He was 
exactly fitted for the place which he filled, and not 
one of his many remarkable gifts could have been 
spared without serious detriment. 

"His claims upon the gratitude of the people of 
New England are hardly inferior. He was the first 
to perceive the advantages held out by it as a place 
of settlement, in spite of its bitter skies and iron-bound 
coast, and to correct the erroneous, unfavorable 
impressions prevalent concerning it. Though he 
himself had no direct share in the settlement of Ply- 
mouth, yet without doubt it was owing to the interest 
which had been awakened by his writings and per- 
sonal exertions, that the ranks of the colonists were 
so soon swelled by those accessions of men of char- 
acter and substance, which gave them encouragement 
and insured them prosperity and success. It was 
the peculiar good fortune of Captain Smith to stand 
in so interesting a relation to the two oldest states in 
the union, and through them to the northern and 
southern sections of the country. The debt of grat- 
itude due to him is national and American, and so 
should his glory be. Wherever upon this continent 
the English language is spoken, his deeds should be 
recounted, and his memory hallowed. His services 
should not only be not forgotten, but should be ' freshly 
remembered.' His name should not only be honored 
by the silent canvas and the cold marble, but his 
praises should dwell living upon the lips of men, and 
should be handed down by fathers to their children. 
Poetry has imagined nothing more stirring and ro- 
mantie than his life and adventures, and History, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 261 

upon her ample page, has recorded iew more honor- 
able and spotless names." 

Having transplanted this well-deserved eulogy 
in prose, we shall conclude our cursory memoir 
of this admirable character by a few specimens 
of the poetical laudation which he received from 
those who flourished contemporaneously with 
himself They not only serve to display the 
general esteem in which he was held, but they 
also exhibit the rude but expressive style of 
composition which distinguished the age in which 
he lived. It was then the custom to welcome 
the appearance, of a successful author with ode 
and sonnet; and the extracts which follow are 
from some of the occasional tributes paid to his 
works : 

TO MY WORTHY PRIEND, CAPTAINE lOHN SMITH. 

Two greatest Shires of Eno-land did thee beare, 

Renowned Yorkshire, Gaunt-stild Lancashire; 

But what's all thisi even Earth, Sea, Heaven above, 

Tragabigzanda, Callamata's love, 

Deare Pocahontas, Madam Shanoi's too, 

Who did what love with modesty could doe, 

Record thy worth, thy birth, which, as I live, - 

Even in thy reading such choice solace give, 

As I could wish, (such wishes would doe well) 

Many such Smiths in this our Israel. 

R. BRATHWAIT. 

TO MY NOBLE BROTHER AND FRIEND, CAPTAINE lOHN SMITH 
Thou hast a course full of honour runne, 
Envy may snarle, as dogges against the Sunne 
May barke, not bite: for what deservedly 
With thy life's danger, valour, pollicy, 
Quaint warlike stratagems, ability 
And judgment, thou hast got, fame sets so high 



362 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Detraction cannot reach : thy worth shall stand 

A patterne to succeeding ages, and, 

Cloth'd in thy owne lines, ever shall adde grace 

Vnto thy native country and thy race; 

And when dissolv'd, laid in thy mother's wombe ; 

These, CBesar-like, Smith's Epitaph and tombe. 

ANTHONY FEREBY. 

TO HIS APPROVED FRIEND, THE AUTHOR, CAPTAINE lOHN 
SMITH. 

The old Greeke Bard, counts him the onely man, 
Who. knows strange Countries, like his Ithacan, 
And wise, as valiant, by his observation. 
Can tell the severall customes of each Nation. 

All these are met in thee. Who will not then 

Repute thee in the ranke of worthiest men? 

To th' Westerne world to former times unknov/ne, 
Thy active spirit hath thy valour showne : 
The Turks and Tartars both can testifie, 
Thee t' have deserv'd a Captaine's dignity; 

But verse thou ueed'st not to express thy worth, 

Thy acts, this booke doe plainly set it forth. 

M. GARTNER. 

IN THE DESERVED HONOUR OF THE AUTHOR, CAPTAINE lOHN 
SMITH AND HIS WORKE. 

Damn'd Envie is a sprite, that ever haunts 

Beasts, mis-nam'd Men; Cowards, or ignorants. 
But, onely such shee followes, whose deare worth 
(Maugre her malice) sets their glory forth. 

If this faire Ouerture, then, take not, it 

Is Envie's spight (deare friend) in men of wit; 
Or Feare, lest morsels, which our mouths possesse, 
Might fall from thence; or else, tis Sottishnesse. 

If either, (1 hope neither) thee they raise; 

Thy Letters* are as Letters in thy praise; 
Who, by their vice improue (when they reprooue) 
Thy vertue; so, in hate, procure thee Loue. 

Then, on firnie Worth, this Monument I frame; 

Scorning for any Smith to forge auch fame. 

JOHN DAUIES, Heref. 
* Hindercrs, 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 263 

TO HIS WORTHY CAPTAINE THE AUTHOR. 

That which wee call the subject of all Storie, 
Is Truth : which in this Worke of thine giues glorie 
To all that thou hast done. Then scorne the spight 
Of Envie; which doth no man's Merits right. 
My sword may helpe the rest : iny Pen no more 
Can doe, but this : I'aue said enough before. 
Your sometime Souldier, 

I. CODRINTON, now Templer. 

IN THE DiSERTED HONOUR OF MY HONEST AND WORTHY 
CAPTAINE, lOHN SMITH, AND HIS WORKE. 

Captaine and Friend : when I pervse thy Booke 
(With Judgement's eyes) into thy heart I looke : 

And there I finde (what sometimes Albion knew) 

A Souldier, to his Countrie's honor, true. 

Some fight for wealth; and some for emptie praise ; 
But thou alone thy Countrie's Fame to raise. 

With due discretion, and vndaunted heart, 

I (oft) so well haue seene thee act thy part 
In deepest plunge of hard extreamitie, 
As forc't the troups of proudest foes to flie. 

Though men of greater Ranke and lesse desert 

Would Pish-away thy Praise, it can not start 

From the true Owner: for all good men's tongues 
Shall keepe the same. To them that Part belongs. 

If, then, Wit, Courage, and Successe should get 

Thee Fame; the Muse for that is in thy debt: 
A part whereof (least able though I be) 
Thus here I doe disburse, to honor thee. 

RALEIGH CRASHAW. 

TO THAT WORTHY AND GENEROUS GENTLEJIAN, 3IY VERY 
GOOD PRIEND, CAPTAINE SMITH. 

May Fate thy Project prosper, that thy name 

My be eternized with liuing fame: 

Though foule Dciraction Honour would peruert, 

And Enuie euer waits vpon desert : 

In spight of Pelias when his hate lies cold, 

Returne as lasou with a fleece of gold. 



264 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Then after ag-es shall record thy praise, 
That a Ncw-Eng-land to this lie didst raise : 
And when thou di'st (as all that Hue must die) 
Thy fame Hue here ; thou, with Eternity. 

R. GUNNELL. 

TO 3IY HONEST CAPTAmE, THE AUTHOE,. 

Malignant Times ! What can be said or done, 
But shall be censur'd and traduced by Sonne! 
This worthy Worke, which thou hast bought so deaxe, 
Ne thou, nor it, Detractors need to feare. 
Thy words by deeds so long- thou hast approu'd, 
Of thousands know thee not thou art belou'd. 

And this great Plot will make thee ten times more 
Knowne and belou'd, than ere thou wert before. 

I neuer knew a Warrier yet, but thee, 

From wine, tobacco, debts, dice, oaths, so free. 

I call thee Warrier : and I make the bolder ; 

For, many a Captaine now, was neuer Souldier. 
Some such may swell at this : but (to their praise) 
When they haue done like thee, my Muse shall raise 

Their due deserts to Worthies yet to come. 

To Hue like thine (admir'd) till day of Doome. 

Your true friend, sometimes your souldier, 

THO. CARLTON. 



THE END. 



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